7 Urgent Warnings: Water Scarcity in Pakistan Demands Immediate Policy Action

Water scarcity in Pakistan has reached alarming levels, pushing the country toward a full-blown water crisis. Experts warn that without urgent implementation of the National Water Policy (NWP), Pakistan could face irreversible water shortages that threaten food security, economic stability, and public health.

Speaking to Business Recorder, climate expert Khan Faraz emphasized that water scarcity is no longer a future risk—it is a present reality driven by unchecked population growth, climate variability, and weak water governance.

Understanding Water Scarcity in Pakistan

Water scarcity occurs when water demand exceeds available supply or when poor quality restricts its use. Pakistan officially transitioned from a water-stressed to a water-scarce country due to declining per capita water availability.

According to government data presented in the National Assembly:

• 2017 Population: 207.77 million
• Per Capita Water Availability (2017): 1,102 cubic meters
• 2023 Population: 241.49 million
• Per Capita Water Availability (2023): 948 cubic meters

This decline places Pakistan well below the international water scarcity threshold of 1,000 cubic meters per person.

Population Growth and Shrinking Water Resources

Pakistan’s annual population growth rate of 2.55% is a central driver of water stress. Projections suggest that by 2030, the population could reach 288.04 million, reducing per capita water availability to 795 cubic meters.

This alarming decline underscores why water scarcity in Pakistan is no longer a theoretical concern but a looming national emergency.

National Water Policy 2018: A Strategic Framework

The National Water Policy (NWP) 2018, approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI), offers a comprehensive roadmap to address water scarcity in Pakistan.

Key pillars of the policy include:

• Enhancing water storage capacity
• Improving irrigation efficiency
• Strengthening water governance
• Promoting climate-resilient water management
• Encouraging inter-provincial coordination

Despite its strong framework, experts argue that implementation remains slow and fragmented.

Why Implementation Gaps Persist

Several factors continue to hinder effective execution of the National Water Policy:

• Weak institutional coordination
• Limited financing for water infrastructure
• Political fragmentation
• Poor data collection and monitoring systems

Without strong enforcement mechanisms, policy goals remain aspirational rather than actionable.

Climate Change and Water Insecurity

Climate change is intensifying water scarcity in Pakistan through:

• Erratic monsoon patterns
• Accelerated glacial melt
• Increased frequency of floods and droughts

Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet ranks among the top 10 climate-vulnerable countries.

External Resource: UN Water – Climate Change and Water

Expert Insights on the Way Forward

According to Khan Faraz, addressing water scarcity requires:

“Integrated water resource management, strong political will, and long-term planning aligned with demographic realities.”

He emphasizes investment in:

• Modern irrigation systems
• Wastewater recycling
• Groundwater regulation
• Smart data-driven planning

These measures can help Pakistan move from crisis management to sustainable water governance.

Governance and Institutional Responsibility

Federal and provincial governments must work collaboratively to ensure:

• Transparent water allocation
• Enforcement of water laws
• Public awareness campaigns

Institutions such as IRSA and WAPDA must be empowered with modern tools and accountability frameworks.

Regional and Global Context

Compared to regional neighbors, Pakistan’s water productivity remains low. Countries like China and India have invested heavily in water recycling, storage, and digital monitoring systems.

Learning from global best practices can help Pakistan bridge its growing water deficit.

External Link: World Bank – Water in South Asia

The Path Toward a Water-Secure Pakistan

To reverse water scarcity trends, Pakistan must:

• Fully implement the National Water Policy
• Integrate climate adaptation into water planning
• Invest in infrastructure and innovation
• Promote conservation at community level

Without decisive action, water scarcity will continue to undermine food security, economic growth, and social stability.

Conclusion

Water scarcity in Pakistan is no longer a distant threat—it is a national emergency demanding immediate and coordinated action. The National Water Policy offers a strong foundation, but only effective implementation can secure Pakistan’s water future. Policymakers, institutions, and citizens must act collectively to prevent a deepening water crisis.