KARACHI:
Pakistan is currently facing a severe water crisis, ranking 14th among the most water-stressed countries globally. This crisis is impacting over 80% of the population, subjecting them to severe water scarcity for at least one month every year. The excessive use of groundwater for irrigation, coupled with inefficient water usage leading to one-third wastage, compounds the issue.
Low water productivity, overuse of groundwater and challenges in providing safe drinking water are integral contributors to the crisis. Only 36% of the population has access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment stands at a mere 1% highlighting critical shortcomings in water management.
The root causes of the crisis include rapid population growth, climate change, poor water management and water pollution. Governance failures exacerbate the situation, with over 80% of water allocated to major crops contributing only 5% to GDP. Climate change-induced events like floods and droughts further strain water resources.
To tackle this crisis, comprehensive measures are imperative, including political commitment, policy reforms and efficient governance. Proposed solutions encompass recycling wastewater, enhancing agricultural efficiency, implementing water metering and pricing and fostering regional cooperation. Pakistan urgently needs to prioritise a sustainable strategy to avert a looming water scarcity catastrophe by 2025.
Samman Akhtar
Rawalpindi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2024.
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