KARACHI:
Despite being blessed with the Indus River and some of the world’s largest glaciers, Pakistan is ranked as the second-most water-stressed country globally. Water scarcity is a major challenge threatening the country’s survival, yet the issue has been largely ignored by our stakeholders.
Over 10 million Pakistanis do not have access to clean drinking water. By 2025, large swathes of the population will be faced with acute water scarcity. The floods last year have intensified the problem as many areas are still suffering from water shortages. Chemical and waste disposal into water bodies and irresponsible agriculture and irrigation practices have amplified the country’s water predicament.
Political leaders and policymakers should not turn a blind eye to this impending challenge and draw a comprehensive plan to conserve water. People should use water carefully and avoid waste. Everyone must come together to conserve water for the country’s survival.
Farah Naz
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, August 10th, 2023.
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