Pakistan Urges UN to United Nations Over Shared Water Crisis
Pakistan calls on the UN to unite nations for trans-boundary water cooperation amid growing water scarcity and climate change threats.
Pakistan has urged the United Nations to take decisive action in fostering international cooperation on transboundary water issues. At the 2026 UN Water Conference organizational session in New York, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive global strategy that addresses the interconnected challenges of water management, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Pakistan’s Call for Transboundary Water Cooperation
With climate change exacerbating water scarcity and rapid population growth increasing demand, Pakistan emphasizes the necessity of collaborative efforts between nations sharing water resources. The country has called on the UN to ensure that water-sharing nations adopt integrated and sustainable approaches to managing transboundary water bodies.
The Water-Climate-Environment Nexus
Pakistan has warned that climate change’s impact on water resources cannot be ignored. Changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increased glacial melting threaten water availability. The country is advocating for global recognition of the water-climate-environment nexus to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations.
Pakistan’s Water Scarcity Challenges
Water scarcity is a looming crisis for Pakistan. In 2021, the country’s per capita water availability dropped to just 1,017 cubic meters per year, a dangerously low figure for a population exceeding 240 million. If current trends continue, Pakistan is expected to become water-scarce by 2035. The Indus River Basin, Pakistan’s primary water source, is increasingly affected by erratic snowfall and rainfall, further stressing water availability.
National Initiatives: Living Indus and Recharge Pakistan
To combat the water crisis, Pakistan has launched the Living Indus and Recharge Pakistan programs. These initiatives focus on restoring ecosystems, improving water quality, building flood resilience, and conserving biodiversity. By implementing such programs, Pakistan sets an example for other developing nations grappling with similar challenges.
Climate Change’s Impact on Pakistan’s Water Security
Pakistan has experienced severe climate-related water disasters in recent decades. Between 1998 and 2004, the country faced a devastating drought affecting over three million people. In 2022, record-breaking monsoon rains triggered catastrophic floods that submerged one-third of the country, killed over 1,700 people, displaced millions, and caused economic losses exceeding $30 billion. These disasters underscore the urgency of global cooperation in water management.
A Global Call for Action
Ambassador Ahmad stressed that “time is running out,” urging world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action. Pakistan’s proposal calls for international partnerships to ensure clean water and sanitation for all, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6). By fostering transboundary collaboration and innovative water management strategies, nations can collectively prevent climate-induced water crises from escalating further.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s latest push at the UN serves as a stark warning to the global community: water security is not just a national concern but a shared responsibility. As climate change continues to threaten global water resources, cooperation among nations is more critical than ever. The 2026 UN Water Conference must pave the way for actionable solutions that secure water for future generations.
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