This nationwide issue affects health, livelihoods, and the economy, requiring immediate attention and long-term solutions....
water
Access to clean water is a major problem in Pakistan, affecting millions of people in both rural and urban areas. In rural regions like Tharparkar, people face severe water shortages, with women walking long distances to fetch water that is often dirty and unsafe. Urban areas like Karachi also struggle, as the city’s water supply cannot meet the needs of its growing population, leaving many neighbourhoods reliant on expensive water tankers or unsafe groundwater. Poor water management, pollution, and aging infrastructure worsen the crisis, while climate change, with unpredictable rainfall and shrinking glaciers, makes the problem even harder to solve. This nationwide issue affects health, livelihoods, and the economy, requiring immediate attention and long-term solutions.
Agricultural areas, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, are also suffering. Farmers in Punjab and Sindh depend on the River Indus and its canal system for irrigation. Mismanagement, obsolete infrastructure, and illegal water extractions often leave fields dry. Crops fail, causing economic hardships and forcing families to migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
Urban areas, while better connected to water supply networks, face their own challenges. In Karachi, water tankers have become a common sight, with private suppliers selling water at high prices because the city’s official system cannot meet the needs of its 20 million residents. Wealthy neighbourhoods are prioritised, while low-income areas rely on unsafe groundwater or spend a significant portion of their income buying water. In Lahore, unchecked industrial waste and sewage often seep into water supplies. Studies show that arsenic levels in many areas exceed safe limits, leading to severe health problems, including cancer and developmental issues in children.
Climate change adds another layer to the crisis, both in Pakistan and globally. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and shrinking glaciers that directly impact water availability. Around the world, climate change is causing more extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and hurricanes, which disrupt water supplies and agriculture. Melting glaciers in the Himalayas, Andes, and Polar Regions threaten millions who rely on these water sources. Rising sea levels are contaminating freshwater supplies in coastal areas, making drinking water scarce.
Globally, unpredictable weather patterns are reducing crop yields, threatening food security. In countries like the United States and Australia, prolonged droughts are depleting reservoirs and stressing urban water systems. In Africa, millions are already experiencing water shortages as desertification spreads. These global challenges demand immediate action to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable water infrastructure, and support communities adapting to changing conditions.
Despite these challenges, innovative solutions are offering hope. In Tharparkar, solar-powered water pumps are providing relief to remote villages, eliminating the need for exhausting treks by drawing water from underground reservoirs. In Karachi, grassroots initiatives like the Orangi Pilot Project have introduced small-scale water and sanitation systems in underserved neighbourhoods, improving lives at an affordable cost. International collaborations have also played a role; for instance, a partnership with The Netherlands introduced water-saving irrigation techniques in Sindh, helping farmers conserve water while boosting crop yields.
Proper urban planning can play a major role in addressing water crisis in Pakistan, especially in the fast-growing cities like Karachi and Lahore. Better planning can ensure that water resources are managed efficiently, with infrastructure designed to meet the needs of expanding populations. This includes building proper drainage systems to prevent water waste and flooding, creating more storage facilities to hold rainwater, and setting up recycling systems for wastewater. Incorporating green spaces and porous surfaces in city designs can also help recharge groundwater and reduce the pressure on overburdened supply systems. Thoughtful urban planning can make cities more resilient, ensuring fair and sustainable access to clean water for everyone.
Similarly, upgrading infrastructure through modern irrigation systems, repairing canals, and expanding urban pipelines is necessary. Promoting water conservation in agriculture, industries, and homes can help reduce waste. Strengthening governance by enforcing transparent policies and cracking down on water theft is the need of the hour, alongside raising awareness to educate communities about water management and safe practices.
Globally, addressing climate challenges requires collaborative efforts to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and implement sustainable water management systems. Every action matter, whether by governments, businesses, or individuals.
The decisions made today will shape the future of Pakistan, determining whether water becomes a source of opportunity or conflict. By addressing these issues, the country can ensure water is a basic right for all, and not a privilege. It is time to act, as every drop counts.
The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at tariqkik@gmail.com
