The escalating water crisis in Pakistan has become a matter of grave concern — particularly in Rawalpindi, where residents are enduring severe water shortages. The inadequate and irregular water supply is disrupting daily life and posing significant public health risks.
For weeks, numerous areas in Rawalpindi have faced drastic reductions in water availability. Taps run dry for hours, sometimes days, forcing people to rely on costly and unreliable private water tankers or unsafe sources. This situation not only strains household finances but also increases the risk of waterborne illnesses, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
A lack of clean and sufficient water affects every aspect of daily life, from sanitation and hygiene to food preparation and economic activity. Moreover, it threatens public health and the dignity of the affected communities.
While the underlying causes, such as aging infrastructure, mismanagement, and climate change, may be complex, they cannot justify the continued neglect of this critical issue. Experts have emphasised the potential of solutions like rainwater harvesting and better water management practices to help mitigate the crisis.
Therefore, the relevant authorities must be urged to act swiftly and decisively. They should:
1. Prioritise the repair and maintenance of water infrastructure in Rawalpindi.
2. Ensure a consistent and adequate water supply, especially during peak hours.
3. Promote water conservation and responsible usage among the public.
4. Deploy temporary water tankers in severely affected neighbourhoods until the crisis is resolved.
The water crisis must be treated with the urgency it demands. I call upon fellow citizens to raise their voices and urge the authorities to take immediate action to safeguard this fundamental right.
Raja Zeeshan Shabbir
Rawalpindi
