Water Crisis in Pakistan: Causes, Effects, And Remedies

Author: Sara Rafique – CSS 2022
Outline

1. Introduction

Pakistan is facing water crisis caused by a myriad of reasons; however, there is a strong hope to
solve this crisis if remedies are acted upon.

2. Current scenario of water crisis in Pakistan

a. Pakistan ranks 14 among 17 extremely high water risk countries in the world according
to world resources Institute
b. Pakistan has crossed the water scarcity line.

3. Reasons behind the severe water crisis in Pakistan:

a. Wastage of Limited water resources

i. Pakistan receives around 145 million acre feet (MAF) of water every year from
rainfall and glacial melt, however; only 14 (MAF) is saved while rest goes to waste.
ii. Inefficient irrigation system causes 60% water loss.

b. Climate change contributing towards water scarcity

i. Long spell of drought and a number of floods – A direct result of climate change

c. Mismanagement of water resources

i. Canal water immensely underpriced, recovering only one-fifth of the annual
operating and maintenance costs
ii. “We do not have a water crisis; we have a failure of governance with regard to
water crisis” Dr. Ishrat Hussain

d. Lack of dams

i. While the Global average of water saving capacity stands at 40%; Pakistan saves
abysmally low 9%.

e. Ineffective policies and lack of implementation

i. The national water policy 2018 completely misses out on setting any qualitative
or quantitative targets.

f. Exponential population growth and urbanization raising the demand

i. Urban population expected to reach 50% by 2050-World Bank
ii. Pakistan’s population growth rate stands at 21% directly contributing to rise in
demand.

g. Depending on a Rival state

i. 78% of water comes from India.

4. Deleterious effects of the water crisis

a. Citizens facing water scarcity

i. Over 80% of the total population faces extreme water scarcity for at least one
month of the year.

b. Rising conflict between provinces- a threat to National Cohesion

i. Lack of trust on equitable water distribution

c. Impoverished of Health and sanitation due to know provision of clean water

i. Only 36% of the population has access to clean drinking water.
ii. 60% of the population in Pakistan is suffering from a disease associated with in a
liquid provision of drinking water and improved sanitation- government of
Pakistan.

d. Heavy economic costs

i. According to the World Bank, economic cost to Pakistan of poor water and
sanitation, floods and droughts estimated to be 40% of GDP or $12 million per
year.

5. Remedies to solve the water crisis in Pakistan

a. Water resource management through Technology

i. Use of drip irrigation and sprinkler system

b. Use of water metering to recover costs

c. Wastewater management

i. Case of Israel and Singapore
ii. Pakistan is wasting its water resources due to in efficient consumption patterns
and negligible recycling.” Dr. Tariq Banuri

d. Counter population growth and build sustainable cities to urban planning.

e. Shift to low water consuming crops

i. Four major crops that only generate 5% of the GDP use 80% of water resources.

f. Dire need of political will and effective implementation of policies

i. South Asian expert Michael Kugelman’s few points on current water crisis of
Pakistan.

6. Conclusion