Pakistan is facing an increasingly dire water shortage due to a combination of internal and external factors. Unfortunately, the issue of water scarcity has been persistently overlooked, despite the significant threat it poses to our national security. According to the UNDP, Pakistan may soon face a per capita water availability of just 500 cubic meters, a sharp decline from 5,229 cubic meters in 1962. Additionally, NASA has identified the Indus Basin as the “second most water-stressed basin” globally.
Several factors have contributed to the worsening water situation in Pakistan, including the lack of effective action, inadequate infrastructure, and institutional shortcomings. Although numerous policies have been drafted, strategic implementation remains absent. Institutions have failed to address this critical issue, which severely hampers the country’s prosperity. Most concerning is the role we play in exacerbating the crisis — wasting water in unnecessary activities at both individual and communal levels.
To address this crisis, sustainable solutions must be pursued through long-term planning. At the individual level, a conscious effort must be made to avoid wasting water. Another key strategy is strengthening institutions that are responsible for implementing water management plans effectively. Lastly, there is an urgent need to adopt advanced technologies in irrigation systems. By implementing these sustainable solutions, we can help create a fresher, greener and more secure Pakistan.
Sajjad Ali Memon
Darbello, Sindh
