Our country is facing four simultaneous and interconnected crises, each growing louder and more dangerous by the year.
First, the Population Boom. Pakistan’s population surpassed 240 million in 2023 and is growing at 2.55% annually (UN 2024), adding roughly 5.3 million people every year. This is one of the highest growth rates in the world. By 2050 we are projected to reach 400 million, with more than half the population under 25 and desperately searching for jobs, education, housing and food that our economy cannot yet provide.
Second, the Climate Change Crisis. The 2022 floods submerged one-third of the country, killed 1,739 people, destroyed over 2 million homes and caused $30 billion in damages (World Bank). Pakistan is warming at twice the global average (0.3°C per decade), and glaciers in the north are retreating 25–50 metres annually. Extreme weather events are no longer rare, they are the new normal.
Third, the Water Crisis. Per capita water availability in the country has plummeted from 5,600 cubic metres at independence to just over 1,000 cubic metres today. We have already crossed the water-scarcity threshold, and Indus River flows have declined by about 30% since 2000. Without drastic conservation and management, absolute scarcity is inevitable.
Fourth, the Resurgence of Terrorism. Terror attacks surged 92% in 2024 (PICSS data), and fatalities have already crossed 1,800 in 2025. TTP, ISIS-K and terrorists groups like BLA are exploiting instability, poverty and governance gaps, draining national resources and terrifying communities.
These four crises feed one another: rapid population growth intensifies pressure on dwindling water and food supplies; climate disasters displace millions and deepen poverty; and economic despair becomes recruiting ground for extremists.
Bold, honest and immediate action on family planning, climate adaptation, water conservation and counter-terrorism is the only way to break this cycle.
Aamir Khan Wagan
Larkana
