Water shortage

Pakistan’s per capita water availability has gone down five times since 1951. The country is at risk of water scarcity and is among the 36 most water-stressed countries in the world. The experts believe that the key factors contributing to the water crisis are supply-driven approach, rapid increase in population, low water-usage efficiency, an extremely water-intensive economy, poor management of water resources, low storage capacity and absence of a national water policy. However, it is heartening to note that the first-ever national water policy would be launched soon to help overcome water sector challenges.

Energy and food security is as important as the security of borders. At present, the country is preserving only 10 percent of flowing water, despite the fact that water resources are depleting. In view of the above, there is an urgent need for political will to address the challenges associated with water, which has an impact on the country’s GDP. Pakistan has the fourth highest water-usage rate which signifies that productivity/efficiency is the lowest in the world. The sustainable water resources development can only be achieved when the subject will be dealt with through a scientific approach towards water conservation.

Khan Faraz

Peshawar