In a country like Pakistan, where agriculture continues to form the major portion of national economy, maximum exploitation of available water resources takes a very high priority.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is a semi-autonomous body entrusted with planning, formulating and executing schemes for optimum development of natural water resources for irrigation, water supply, drainage, and power generation in the country.
Basic policy decisions, pertaining to it, are taken by the Ministry of Water and Power. WAPDA also acts as an agent of the Federal Government for implementing the Indus Water Treaty signed by Pakistan with India in 1960, under the auspices of the World Bank, which provide for the division, between the two countries, of the water of the Indus and its five tributaries.