Water cooperation

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The increasing frequency and severity of climate change impacts are placing immense pressure on water resources globally, making transboundary water cooperation more crucial than ever. Rivers and aquifers rarely have any respect for national borders, so managing them is often an international issue that can be a major source of disputes, leading up to conflict and all-out war, particularly in water-scarce regions.

Pakistan is among the countries that fit this bill, ranking among the most water-stressed countries in the world. In fact, every country in South Asia now qualifies as either high or extremely high on the water stress ranking in the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas.

Pakistan is on the brink of severe water scarcity due to dwindling water availability linked to climate change and an exploding population. With 240 million people relying on an already fragile water system, the country represents a pertinent case study of the broader challenges that terrestrial ecosystems and human communities worldwide face regarding water management.

Water is also integral to the Kashmir dispute, as several major rivers begin — including Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — or are fed by glaciers in the region. But to the credit of both India and Pakistan and as a lesson to the world, even after wars and several 'hot' conflicts, the Indus Waters Treaty has been respected.

We have seen less cooperation — and worse outcomes — in many other regions where water treaties have either not been signed or are frequently violated. Meanwhile, Pakistan's 'Living Indus' and 'Recharge Pakistan' programmes are notable examples of how nations can forge sustainable pathways for cooperation, restoring ecosystems and enhancing water quality.

Collaboration at the transboundary level also fosters goodwill and trust among nations, which can help ease differences over other issues. Global leaders must prioritise transboundary water cooperation to prevent conflicts, promote sustainable development and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.