This blog will help you learn causes and effects of Water Crisis in Pakistan. Water is the lifeblood of any nation, essential not only for human survival but also for economic stability and national security. For Pakistan, a country whose economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, water scarcity is no longer just an environmental issue, it has become a matter of national survival. With per capita water availability dropping sharply, growing tensions with India over shared rivers, and inadequate water management at home, Pakistan stands on the brink of a full-blown water crisis that could trigger internal unrest and regional instability.

Water Needs and Water Crisis in Pakistan

Pakistan is among the most water-stressed countries in the world. According to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), the country may run dry by 2025 if urgent measures are not taken. In 1951, per capita water availability was around 5,000 cubic meters; today, it has fallen below 1,000 cubic meters, approaching the threshold of absolute water scarcity.

This is alarming for a country where more than 90% of freshwater is used in agriculture, which employs over 38% of the labor force and contributes around 19% to the GDP. Without adequate water, the entire economic structure of Pakistan is at risk of collapse.

Why Water Crisis in Pakistan is a National Security Issue?

Water scarcity affects every aspect of a nation’s security:

1. Food Security: Pakistan’s ability to grow enough food for its rapidly growing population (currently over 240 million) is under direct threat. Crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane depend heavily on irrigation from the Indus River system. Water shortages can lead to food inflation, hunger, and social unrest.
   
2. Energy Security: A significant portion of Pakistan’s electricity comes from hydroelectric power. Lower water levels reduce power generation capacity, contributing to frequent blackouts and energy crises.
   
3. Public Health: Water shortages lead to poor sanitation, the spread of diseases, and lack of access to clean drinking water, particularly in rural areas.
   
4. Internal Conflicts: Water disputes between provinces such as between Sindh and Punjab have already surfaced. If left unresolved, these could escalate into serious internal conflicts, challenging national unity.
   
5. Regional Tensions: Perhaps the most sensitive aspect of Pakistan’s water crisis is its transboundary water conflict with India, governed by the Indus Waters Treaty.
   

The Indus Waters Treaty: A Fragile Peace

Signed in 1960 with the help of the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. It allocates control over six rivers in the Indus Basin:

• India controls the eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
  
• Pakistan controls the western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
  

While the treaty has withstood multiple wars and periods of hostility, recent years have seen growing tension. India, accusing Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, has hinted at revisiting the treaty or utilizing its “full share” of water—actions that Pakistan views as threats to its water security.

Projects like Baglihar Dam and Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project by India have raised alarms in Pakistan, which fears reduced river flows that would devastate its agricultural output. Although India insists these projects are within treaty bounds, Pakistan has repeatedly taken the disputes to international arbitration.

In 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that “not a single drop of water will be allowed to flow into Pakistan,” further escalating fears. In 2023, India issued a notice to Pakistan for renegotiating parts of the treaty, signaling increasing fragility in this decades-old agreement. Learn more: The Question of Water Scarcity

Causes of Water Crisis in Pakistan

While external threats from India are real, much of Pakistan’s water crisis is rooted in poor domestic management:

• Lack of storage: Pakistan can store only 30 days of water, far below the recommended 120 days for water-stressed countries.
  
• Wastage: An estimated 60% of water is lost due to outdated irrigation systems and leakage.
  
• Groundwater depletion: Excessive extraction without regulation has severely depleted aquifers, especially in Punjab and Balochistan.
  
• Urban overuse and pollution: Major cities like Karachi and Lahore suffer from water theft, contamination, and inequitable distribution.
  

There is also a glaring absence of public awareness and political will to prioritize water conservation and infrastructure development.

Solution for Water Shortage Problem in Pakistan

Addressing the water crisis requires a multi-pronged, long-term approach:

1. Diplomatic Resilience: Pakistan must engage India through international forums to protect its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, while also seeking regional cooperation on climate resilience.
   
2. Infrastructure Investment: Large-scale water storage projects like the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams must be expedited.
   
3. Modern Irrigation: Techniques like drip irrigation and laser leveling can significantly reduce wastage.
   
4. Public Awareness: Nationwide campaigns promoting water conservation at individual and community levels are essential.
   
5. Legislative Action: A national water policy must be implemented and enforced uniformly across provinces.
   

Why Mainstream & Social Media Don’t Talk About Water Crisis in Pakistan?

Despite the severity of the water crisis in Pakistan, mainstream media has largely failed to give it the attention it deserves. Television channels and news outlets remain overwhelmingly focused on political debates and power struggles, while the looming threat of water scarcity gets sidelined. Media has a crucial role to play, not just in informing the public but in shaping national discourse. By producing more programs, documentaries, and discussions on water issues, the media can raise awareness, educate citizens, and apply pressure on policymakers to prioritize long-term water solutions. Without strong media advocacy, the urgency of this crisis will continue to be ignored.

Water scarcity is no longer just an environmental issue for Pakistan, it is a national security emergency. The consequences of inaction will not only affect agriculture and health but also threaten internal stability and regional peace. As climate change accelerates and political tensions rise, the time to act is now. Ensuring water security is not just about survival, it’s about sovereignty, peace, and the future of Pakistan. Stay updated about important updates with 360 Buzz.