By: Liaqat Asher
In observance of World Water Day on March 22, this year, a critical lens is turned towards Pakistan’s looming water crisis, resonating with the United Nations’ call to action for sustainable water management. As UN-Water directs global attention to the significance of freshwater, Pakistan stands as a stark example of the challenges plaguing nations grappling with water scarcity.
Ranked 14th among countries facing “extremely high water risk,” Pakistan confronts a dire reality where over 80 percent of its populace endures severe water scarcity for at least one month annually. The dependence on surface water and the overexploitation of groundwater exacerbate the crisis, with looming projections hinting at nationwide water scarcity by 2025.
A nation once blessed with abundant water resources now faces the harsh transition to a water-stressed state. Despite comprising only 2.8 percent of the global population, Pakistan trial possesses a mere 0.5 percent of global renewable water resources. The overreliance on the Indus River system, which accounts for nearly all of Pakistan’s renewable water resources, poses a precarious situation exacerbated by external water inflows, primarily from India.
Compounded by poor water management practices, Pakistan’s cities endure erratic piped water supplies and dwindling groundwater levels, with only 36 percent of the population accessing safe drinking water. Inefficiencies in water consumption and negligible recycling further strain resources, aggravating internal tensions and compounding the crisis’s complexity.
Rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change fuel the water crisis, with Pakistan ranking among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate-related threats. The Indus River Basin, Pakistan’s primary water source, bears the brunt of climate change, evidenced by receding glaciers and shifting precipitation patterns, leading to detrimental consequences for agriculture and livelihoods.
The repercussions extend beyond environmental concerns to public health hazards, with waterborne diseases claiming thousands of lives annually. Inadequate provision of drinking water and sanitation exacerbates the burden on healthcare systems, with water-related ailments filling hospital beds and contributing to premature deaths.
Addressing Pakistan’s water crisis demands a holistic approach encompassing rainwater harvesting, water source protection, and efficient water management practices. Equally critical is the need for community empowerment and awareness to foster responsible water usage and sanitation practices.
As Pakistan navigates the treacherous waters of its water crisis, concerted efforts from governmental and non-governmental entities are imperative to avert a catastrophe that threatens the well-being of its citizens and the nation’s stability. Failure to heed these warnings could plunge Pakistan into an irreversible state of water scarcity, where even a single drop becomes a coveted luxury.