No water, no future

Shahdadkot, located in northern Pakistan, is grappling with a severe water crisis, transforming daily life into a struggle for survival. More than 60 per cent of its population faces acute water shortages, causing long waits for minimal amounts of water, severely impacting health and livelihoods. Experts attribute the crisis to outdated infrastructure and prolonged droughts, urging immediate government intervention to avert a humanitarian disaster. The inadequate water supply disrupts daily routines, hampers economic activity, and heightens health risks, especially for women and children who spend hours fetching water from distant, often contaminated sources. This has led to a surge in waterborne diseases, overwhelming local healthcare facilities with cases of diarrhoea and cholera.

The agricultural sector, crucial to Shahdadkot’s economy, suffers from insufficient irrigation water, resulting in plummeting crop yields and pushing many farmers into debt and despair. This scarcity exacerbates poverty and malnutrition, perpetuating a vicious cycle of hardship. Despite promises of infrastructure upgrades, progress has been sluggish, fueling frustration and hopelessness among residents. Urgent government action is essential, focusing on modern technology and sustainable practices like desalination plants and rainwater harvesting. Collaboration with international organizations and neighbouring regions is crucial to effectively tackle this complex issue and restore the community’s access to clean, reliable water — a fundamental human right essential for health, prosperity, and a sustainable future.

Saqib Hussain Mugheri

Shahdadkot