FANSA’s “Rising for Rights” Project Advances Citywide Inclusive Sanitation in Pakistan

The Rising for Rights project, implemented by member organizations of the Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA), is being carried out across all seven countries of South Asia, including Pakistan. The project aims to promote Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) by strengthening advocacy, governance, and public investment to ensure equitable access to safe sanitation services for all.In Pakistan, the project is being implemented in two cities—Mardan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Quetta (Balochistan). Through sustained engagement with local governments and evidence-based advocacy, the initiative has achieved a significant milestone. The City Government of Mardan and the Tehsil Government of Takht Bhai have each allocated PKR 1 million specifically for CWIS-related interventions.

This allocation reflects growing political commitment and institutional ownership toward inclusive and sustainable sanitation planning.To assess progress, share lessons learned, and review implementation challenges, a regional progress review workshop is currently being held in Maldives. The workshop brings together representatives from South Asian countries to evaluate project outcomes and align future strategies.Representing Pakistan at the workshop are Mr. Karim Baloch and Mr. Shah Nasir, Regional Co-Convener of FANSA. They are sharing Pakistan’s progress, particularly the successful mobilization of local government financing for CWIS, and contributing to regional learning on rights-based and inclusive sanitation approaches.FANSA remains committed to advancing sanitation as a fundamental human right and to supporting member organizations in influencing policies, budgets, and practices that ensure no one is left behind.