Introduction
Pakistan is facing a major water crisis. This means the country does not have enough clean water for its people, farms, and industries. In fact, Pakistan is ranked 14th on the list of countries facing extremely high water risk. Every year, more than 80% of Pakistan’s population experiences water shortages for at least one month. Groundwater levels are dropping, and experts believe that Pakistan could run out of water by 2025 if no action is taken.
Where Does Pakistan Get Its Water?
Pakistan mostly depends on one major river system – the Indus River Basin. Around 95.8% of the country’s water comes from this system. But here’s the problem: 78% of this water comes from India, and that makes Pakistan very vulnerable. If India reduces the water flow, Pakistan could face serious trouble.
Also, Pakistan stores very little of the water it receives. The country only has storage for 30 days of water, while other countries store water for 200–1000 days.
Water Availability Is Decreasing Fast
In 1962, Pakistan had 5,229 cubic meters of water per person. By 2017, it had dropped to just 1,187 cubic meters per person. This amount is getting lower every year due to population growth and poor water use.
If a country has less than 1,000 cubic meters of water per person, it is considered “water scarce”. Pakistan is very close to this danger zone.
Water Is Mostly Used in Farming
In Pakistan:
- 94% of water is used for agriculture
- Only 5.3% is used by households
- And just 0.8% is used by industries
This shows that most water is used to grow crops, but unfortunately, the farming system is not efficient. A lot of water is wasted due to old irrigation methods.
Pakistan’s Water Use Is Not Efficient
Pakistan’s water productivity is very low. It earns only $1.4 per cubic meter of water used. In comparison, Malaysia earns $55, and the Philippines earns $34. This shows that Pakistan is not using water wisely to grow its economy.
Groundwater Is Running Out
Pakistan also depends a lot on groundwater – the water stored under the ground. About 70% of drinking water and 100% of industrial water comes from this source. But people and industries are taking out more water than nature can replace, leading to a big drop in underground water levels.
The Indus Basin aquifer is now the second-most overused aquifer in the world.
Most People Don’t Have Clean Drinking Water
Only 36% of Pakistanis have access to safe drinking water. In many areas, the water supply system is very poor. People either don’t get enough water or the water is dirty and unsafe to drink. As a result, many people, especially children, get sick from drinking polluted water.
Also, waterborne diseases (caused by dirty water) are responsible for 40% of all deaths in the country.
Water Pollution Is a Huge Problem
Water in Pakistan is getting dirtier every year. Around 60 million people are exposed to arsenic-contaminated water, which can cause cancer and other serious illnesses. Dirty water also pollutes rivers and canals, affecting fish, animals, and plants.
Wastewater Is Not Treated
Most of the water used in homes, factories, and farms becomes wastewater. This dirty water needs to be treated before it is released back into the environment. But Pakistan treats only 1% of its wastewater. In comparison, Israel treats over 90% and reuses it for farming and other purposes.
Climate Change Is Making Things Worse
Climate change is making the Pakistan water crisis worse. It causes:
- Glaciers to melt faster, which means too much water now but less water in the future
- Unpredictable rainfall, leading to floods and droughts
- Rising temperatures, increasing water demand
By 2050, Pakistan could face even more extreme water shortages if nothing changes.
Population Growth Is a Big Factor
In 1972, Pakistan’s population was 61 million. By 2020, it had grown to 221 million. More people means more demand for water. But the amount of water has stayed the same.
By 2050, the population is expected to reach 338 million, and water demand will rise by 60%.
Poor Water Management
Pakistan made its first National Water Policy in 2018, which was a good start. But many problems still exist:
- Lack of planning
- Poor infrastructure
- No proper funding
- No gender inclusion
- Weak coordination among provinces
There are also disputes over water sharing between provinces like Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. These issues make it hard to manage water fairly.
What Can Pakistan Do to Solve the Water Crisis?
1. Better Water Governance
Leaders need to take full responsibility for solving this crisis. There should be clear policies, strong laws, and strict action against water wastage.
2. Build More Water Storage
Pakistan needs to build more dams and reservoirs to store water during floods and use it during droughts.
3. Improve Farming Practices
- Use drip irrigation and sprinklers
- Grow crops that need less water
- Stop wasting water on crops like sugarcane and rice in dry areas
4. Recycle and Reuse Wastewater
Pakistan should treat wastewater and reuse it, especially for agriculture and industries. This will reduce pressure on freshwater resources.
5. Fix the Distribution System
Water pipes and canals should be repaired to stop leaks and theft. Around 61% of water is lost due to faulty systems.
6. Raise Awareness
People should be taught how to save water at home, school, and work. Every drop matters.
7. Use Water Meters
Water users should have meters so they can see how much they are using. They should also pay fair prices for water. This will reduce waste and create funds to improve the water system.
Impact on Economy and Food Security
The water crisis is also affecting Pakistan’s economy and food security. Agriculture, which depends heavily on water, makes up a large part of the country’s economy and employs millions of people. When there is not enough water, crops fail, and farmers suffer huge losses. This also leads to shortages of food, higher prices, and more hunger, especially in rural areas.
Industries like textiles, which need large amounts of water, also face slowdowns due to water shortages. If the crisis continues, Pakistan could lose billions of rupees every year, and the country’s economic growth could stop. Solving the water crisis is not just about survival – it’s about saving the economy, jobs, and the nation’s future.
Climate Change and Its Role in the Water Crisis
Climate change is making Pakistan’s water crisis even worse. Due to rising global temperatures, glaciers in the northern areas are melting rapidly. This initially increases river water, but over time, it reduces long-term water availability because glaciers act as natural water reservoirs. Without these glaciers, Pakistan’s rivers will eventually dry up, especially during the dry season.
Additionally, climate change has caused unpredictable weather patterns, such as longer droughts and more intense floods. These extremes damage crops, homes, and water infrastructure. Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, yet it contributes very little to global emissions. Therefore, it is important for Pakistan to take both local and global action to tackle this growing threat.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan water crisis is not just about less water – it’s about poor management, climate change, and lack of action. If we don’t act now, millions of lives will be affected.
But if we take the right steps today – by saving water, treating waste, improving farming, and working together – Pakistan can avoid a dry and dangerous future.
