By Faridat Salifu
A new report by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has raised alarming concerns about the safety of bottled water in Pakistan, revealing that 27 brands contain hazardous contaminants that pose significant health risks.
The study identified harmful levels of sodium, arsenic, and potassium in various bottled water products, alongside instances of bacterial contamination.
Conducted as part of a quarterly monitoring initiative directed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the PCRWR’s fourth-quarter report for 2024 involved collecting and testing 176 bottled water samples from 20 cities across the country.
According to Dr. Hifza Rasheed, Director General of PCRWR, the analysis showed that these brands do not meet the safety standards set by the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
Notable offenders included brands like Miran Drinking Water Pak Aqua, Jel Bottled Water, and Pure Drinking Water, which exhibited concerning levels of sodium and arsenic. Moreover, 16 brands were flagged for bacterial contamination, which can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney and heart diseases, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal infections like cholera.
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Dr. Rasheed emphasized that the PCRWR regularly collects samples from 24 cities every three months and shares findings with the PSQCA and relevant provincial authorities for further action.
However, she clarified that the responsibility for issuing licenses and enforcing regulations lies with other regulatory bodies.
Attempts to reach the implicated companies were largely unsuccessful, with some representatives claiming changes in ownership and others providing no comment.
A few brands defended their compliance with quality standards.
Ashraf Player, Director of Licensing at PSQCA, explained the stringent licensing process for bottled water manufacturers, which includes thorough inspections and evaluations by a scrutiny committee.
He noted that companies that violate hygiene standards are subjected to multiple checks before facing potential license revocation.
However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by PSQCA, particularly the limited number of inspectors tasked with monitoring bottled water quality in Karachi.
The findings underscore an urgent need for enhanced regulatory oversight and consumer awareness regarding the safety of bottled water in Pakistan.
