Alarming Climate Threat: Pakistan Water Shortage Risk Growing Rapidly, Warns NDMA
Pakistan is facing an alarming water shortage by 2025, warns NDMA chief. Climate change, glacier melt, and poor resource management threaten national water security. Learn what actions are being taken.
Pakistan water shortage is becoming a serious national emergency. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the country could become the 15th most water-stressed nation in the world by 2025. This shocking revelation was made by NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik during a special briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change in Islamabad.
The combination of climate change, mismanaged water resources, rapid population growth, and melting glaciers is severely threatening Pakistan’s future water security. Without immediate intervention, the situation could escalate into a full-blown humanitarian and economic crisis.
NDMA Briefs Parliament on Climate and Water Crisis
During the committee’s visit to NDMA headquarters, the chairman presented a detailed overview of the growing climate vulnerabilities facing Pakistan. He emphasized that climate-induced water scarcity is not a future problem—it’s already happening.
The NDMA chief said that misaligned planning, inadequate storage facilities, and excessive groundwater usage are aggravating the issue. “We are heading toward a water emergency unless drastic measures are taken,” warned Inam Haider.
He urged policymakers to implement integrated water management, boost interprovincial coordination, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to avert disaster.
Heavy Monsoon Forecasts: A Double-Edged Sword
NDMA forecasts suggest that the 2025 monsoon season will likely bring above-normal rainfall, especially in Sindh, South Punjab, and parts of Balochistan. While rainfall can offer some short-term relief to drought-affected areas, it also increases the risk of urban flooding and landslides.
Inam Haider warned that uncontrolled glacier melting and seasonal rains could result in sudden flash floods, particularly in the northern areas and downstream river basins. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta need to activate their flood preparedness protocols immediately.
Melting Glaciers and Flash Flood Risks
A major contributor to the Pakistan water shortage crisis is the rapid glacier melt occurring in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. The NDMA is closely monitoring this phenomenon through the Global Glacier Monitoring Portal, which provides real-time satellite data on glacier health.
The melting of glaciers feeds Pakistan’s rivers, but irregular melting leads to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), endangering thousands of lives. These floods can destroy infrastructure, displace communities, and contaminate freshwater sources.
This year’s conditions are particularly risky due to rising temperatures and weakened snow cover, which accelerate runoff and reduce long-term water reserves.
NDMA’s Early Warning Systems and Preparedness
To counter growing threats, NDMA has developed a state-of-the-art emergency response system equipped with:
- Real-time weather monitoring
- Drones for rapid surveillance
- An AI-enabled national control room
- Integration with PDMAs and provincial authorities
The NDMA chief noted that they are capable of issuing early warnings six months in advance, providing critical data to provinces and municipalities. These alerts guide disaster response agencies to prepare timely evacuation plans, deploy rescue teams, and stock relief supplies.
Provincial Role and Public Safety Measures
Committee member Shagufta Jumani raised public concerns during the session, questioning whether enough is being done at the provincial level to prepare communities for natural disasters.
In response, Inam Haider clarified that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the provinces are responsible for disaster management. However, NDMA continues to provide data, alerts, and coordination support to help them mitigate risk.
He stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns, mock drills, and school-level disaster education to build resilience. “A prepared public is the best line of defense against any disaster,” he added.
Expert Insights: What Lies Ahead
According to global reports like the UN World Water Development Report and research from Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Pakistan’s per capita water availability has dropped from 5,600 cubic meters in 1947 to below 1,000 cubic meters today—classifying it as “water scarce.”
If unaddressed, this could cripple:
- Agriculture (which uses 90% of water)
- Food security
- Energy production (hydropower)
- Health systems
International environmental organizations such as WWF Pakistan and ICIMOD have urged Pakistan to adopt nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling to build resilience.
Conclusion: A Call for Unified Climate Action
The warning issued by NDMA is not just a forecast—it is a wake-up call. Pakistan’s water future hinges on proactive governance, public awareness, and regional collaboration. With only a few months left before the 2025 deadline, it is crucial for the federal and provincial governments to act swiftly.
This looming Pakistan water shortage demands urgent political will, investment in research, and cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries sharing transboundary rivers. Institutions, media, academia, and civil society must unite to create a future where water is protected, conserved, and shared responsibly.