Pakistan is on the verge of a water catastrophe. The warning of imminent water shortages in Punjab and Sindh in 2025 should set off alarm bells across the country.
As the two most populous and agriculturally vital provinces, their dwindling water resources signal a crisis that will have devastating consequences for food security, livelihoods, and economic stability.
Despite repeated alerts from environmental experts and policymakers, Pakistan’s water crisis has been largely ignored, leaving the nation ill-prepared for what could be an unprecedented emergency.
Pakistan is among the top ten most water-stressed countries in the world, and according to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), the country could face absolute water scarcity by 2025.
The Indus River, which sustains nearly 90% of Pakistan’s agricultural output, is drying up due to climate change, mismanagement, and over-extraction.
Punjab and Sindh, which rely heavily on the Indus for irrigation and drinking water, are already experiencing severe shortages.
Farmers are struggling with reduced crop yields, urban centres are facing dwindling groundwater levels, and industries that depend on water-intensive processes are seeing production disruptions.
The water crisis in Pakistan is not a sudden phenomenon—it is the result of decades of neglect, mismanagement, and environmental degradation.
Pakistan’s water supply is heavily dependent on glacial melt and monsoon rains, both of which are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global climate change.
Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melting, but instead of providing a consistent water supply, these glaciers are shrinking at an alarming rate.
If this trend continues, Pakistan’s primary water source could dry up in the coming decades.
Despite having one of the largest irrigation systems in the world, Pakistan loses up to 60% of its water due to inefficient irrigation techniques and outdated infrastructure.
Canals and water channels leak or evaporate before reaching the fields, wasting precious resources.
Moreover, Pakistan lacks adequate reservoirs and dams to store water, leaving the country vulnerable to seasonal droughts and floods.
With surface water supplies declining, over-reliance on groundwater has created an unsustainable situation.
Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are witnessing groundwater depletion at alarming rates.
In Punjab and Sindh, farmers are digging deeper wells to extract water, but this short-term solution is leading to long-term ecological damage.
Pakistan’s water crisis is exacerbated by political disputes over water distribution.
Punjab and Sindh frequently clash over Indus River allocations, with Sindh accusing Punjab of excessive withdrawals.
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has struggled to mediate these conflicts, leading to tensions that hinder effective water management policies.
Pakistan’s population has exceeded 240 million and continues to grow rapidly.
Increased demand for water in urban areas is putting additional strain on already stressed resources.
Expanding cities and industrial zones require more water for consumption, sanitation, and production, yet there is no coherent strategy to meet these rising demands.
Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing over 40% of the workforce and contributing 19% to the GDP.
However, water shortages are severely affecting crop production, leading to lower yields and food insecurity.
Major crops like wheat, rice, and cotton depend on a steady water supply, but inconsistent irrigation is causing declining harvests.
If the situation does not improve, Pakistan may have to import staple foods at higher costs, increasing the burden on an already fragile economy.
Furthermore, water scarcity will push more farmers out of business, leading to rural unemployment and mass migration to urban areas.
The crisis is not confined to rural areas—Pakistan’s cities are facing severe water shortages.
In Karachi, the country’s largest metropolis, residents receive water for only a few hours a day, forcing many to rely on expensive private water tankers.
Lahore and Islamabad are also struggling to maintain a consistent water supply, as underground reserves continue to decline.
Water scarcity also leads to poor sanitation and hygiene, increasing the spread of diseases.
Contaminated drinking water is responsible for outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, particularly in low-income communities.
The lack of clean water contributes to high child mortality rates and widespread health problems, placing additional strain on the healthcare system.
Addressing Pakistan’s water crisis requires immediate and long-term action at both government and community levels.
Pakistan’s water crisis is no longer a distant threat—it is a reality unfolding before our eyes.
Punjab and Sindh’s looming water shortages should be a wake-up call for policymakers, businesses, and ordinary citizens alike.
If urgent action is not taken, the country could face widespread water riots, economic instability, and mass displacement in the coming years.
Water is not just a resource—it is a lifeline for Pakistan’s survival. The time for complacency is over. The government, private sector, and citizens must work together to implement sustainable solutions before it is too late as the future of Pakistan depends on it.
