By Ahsan Ansari
Pakistan is currently experiencing a severe water crisis, which continues to worsen due to climate change, ineffective policies, and the mismanagement of natural resources. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) reports that the country faces a 51% water shortage, severely impacting the agricultural and industrial sectors. Large reservoirs such as Tarbela and Mangla have significantly lost their storage capacity, preventing provinces from receiving adequate water supplies. The United Nations warns that if immediate action is not taken, Pakistan’s per capita water availability will fall below 500 cubic meters annually by 2025, marking a transition into “acute water scarcity.”
Climate change plays a crucial role in this crisis. Rising global temperatures, shifting ocean currents, and melting polar ice caps are reshaping the world’s water resources, and Pakistan is no exception. The glaciers of the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush—primary sources of Pakistan’s river systems—are melting at an alarming rate. Initially, this phenomenon increases water flow in the rivers, but in the long run, it depletes essential water reserves. NASA reports that the Earth’s temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C over the past century, accelerating glacier loss.
Moreover, changing oceanic currents in the Atlantic and Pacific are altering South Asia’s weather patterns, leading to unpredictable monsoon rains. These shifts result in either devastating floods or prolonged droughts, both of which significantly impact Pakistan’s water supply. Experts highlight that natural climate cycles, such as El Niño and La Niña, further strain the country’s water resources, making them even more vulnerable to extreme weather fluctuations.
Pakistan’s failure to develop adequate water storage infrastructure has intensified the crisis. Since 1976, no major dam has been constructed, causing millions of acre-feet of water to go to waste each year. The existing reservoirs, including Tarbela and Mangla, have lost a significant portion of their capacity due to sediment buildup, worsening the water shortage problem.
Mismanagement and inefficient water use further aggravate the situation. Agriculture remains the largest consumer of water in Pakistan, but outdated irrigation methods lead to significant wastage. Unlike developed countries, where modern technologies like drip irrigation and sprinklers optimize water use, Pakistan continues to rely on inefficient flood irrigation. Additionally, urbanization and population growth have placed excessive demand on already limited water resources, while industrial waste and poor drainage systems have led to the contamination of available freshwater sources.
Another major challenge stems from Pakistan’s transboundary water disputes with India. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty granted Pakistan control over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. However, India has built multiple dams and water diversion projects, restricting Pakistan’s access to its rightful share of water. These actions have severely impacted Pakistan’s river flows, exacerbating the water crisis. Diplomatic efforts to resolve these disputes have so far yielded limited success, leaving the country in a vulnerable position.
The consequences of water scarcity in Pakistan are devastating. The reduction in water availability directly affects agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and financial losses for farmers. According to the World Bank, Pakistan loses nearly $29 billion annually due to water-related challenges. In urban areas, drinking water shortages have forced people to rely on unsafe water sources, leading to widespread health issues and waterborne diseases.
To mitigate the crisis, Pakistan must take immediate and strategic actions. Investing in new dams and upgrading existing ones is critical to improving water storage capacity. The adoption of modern agricultural techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, can significantly reduce water wastage and enhance crop yields. Strict regulatory measures must be implemented to monitor and control water usage at both industrial and domestic levels, ensuring that water conservation becomes a national priority.
Public awareness campaigns can also play a key role in addressing the crisis. Educating citizens about responsible water consumption and encouraging the reuse and recycling of water can help reduce unnecessary wastage. Additionally, large-scale afforestation efforts are essential, as trees help maintain groundwater levels and promote better rainfall patterns.
On the international front, Pakistan must intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure India complies with the Indus Waters Treaty. Engaging international organizations and seeking arbitration in water disputes can help protect Pakistan’s water rights and prevent further depletion of its resources.
While the water crisis in Pakistan is alarming, it is not beyond resolution. Through effective governance, sustainable technological advancements, infrastructure investment, ecological restoration, and diplomatic negotiations, the country can secure its water future. Immediate and decisive action is necessary to prevent Pakistan from facing an even more severe water shortage in the coming decades. Without proper intervention, future generations could inherit a Pakistan where water is not just scarce but an existential challenge.
