KARACHI:
There is an emerging issue of water scarcity in Pakistan which presents a significant threat to national stability. It is evident that the amount of water availability has been declining over the past several decades. Pakistan is the 15th most water-stressed nation in the world and is predicted to face absolute water scarcity by 2035. Currently, around 55% of Pakistan's total population lacks access to safely managed drinking water.
There are many factors contributing to the exacerbating condition of water crisis in Pakistan. One of the primary factors is the growing population. Secondly, the geographical location of the country adds fuel to the fire. More than 78% of the total water in the country comes from the transboundary rivers, which makes the country highly vulnerable to any changes in water flows from other countries. Besides these, the situation is intensified by the poor governance and improper water management. The outdated technologies used in irrigation, unregulated extraction of groundwater, inadequate water storage and leakage of sewerage lines lead to huge losses. Additionally, fragile policies, lack of coordination between provinces, poor implementation of water laws and low public awareness play a significant role in water crises.
These issues demand sustainable reforms. There must be effective governance, efficient irrigation systems, adoption of innovative technologies (drip irrigation, water recycling and satellite monitoring) and regulation of groundwater extraction. The water crisis in Pakistan is not just a matter of environment, but it is more a national emergency that entangles economic, political and social aspects. If left unaddressed, it will lead to food shortages, biodiversity loss, increased waterborne diseases and possible communal conflicts.
Tuba Khan
Lahore
