We’re on brink of water scarcity, says minister

Islamabad : Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik, while addressing a high-level policy forum on Sustainable Development Goals, emphasised that Pakistan must urgently realign its development priorities with the Global 2030 Agenda.

The Federal Minister delivered his keynote address at the "Pakistan SDG's Policy Dialogue for Action: Accelerating Reform, Investments and Economic Transformation towards Agenda 2030" here that brought together policymakers, development partners, civil society representatives, and experts from diverse fields to deliberate on aligning national efforts with global sustainability goals.

Dr. Malik expressed serious concern that Pakistan currently ranks as the weakest performer in South Asia in terms of SDG progress. In the 2024 SDG Index, Pakistan stands at 137 out of 166 countries, with a score of just 57.02. In contrast, neighbouring countries like India (63.99), Bangladesh (64.35), and Sri Lanka (67.43) have fared significantly better.

He noted that Pakistan faces acute challenges in achieving several of the 17 SDGs, particularly in clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities, climate action, and institutional reform. He lamented that SDGs have not been effectively mainstreamed into provincial development plans, nor has a comprehensive national strategy been formulated. He pointed out significant data inconsistencies and gaps between federal, provincial, and international sources, undermining transparency and complicating evidence-based policymaking.

The minister referred to Pakistan’s escalating water crisis as a ‘silent national emergency,’ and warned we are on the brink of water scarcity, yet lack the seriousness this issue demands.

He also voiced deep concern over the deteriorating environmental conditions in urban areas, where polluted air, contaminated water, and inefficient waste management have rendered cities almost unliveable. “Our cities are among the most polluted in the world — this is not progress, but environmental collapse,” he said.

Dr. Malik urged public institutions, civil society actors, and private sector stakeholders to act decisively and collaboratively for the attainment of sustainable development. He emphasised the need for evidence-based planning, climate adaptation, improved governance, and greater access to climate finance. “Development is not just about numbers — it is about clean air, safe drinking water, dignified living, and a secure future,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed commitment to working in close coordination with provincial governments, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs and said, “Time is running out. Either we act now, or history will leave us behind.”