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Pakistan is a nation facing significant water shortages, quickly approaching a condition of complete water scarcity. It is considered among the most vulnerable countries in terms of water security worldwide, with the amount of water available per person having dropped from more than 5,000 cubic meters in 1947 to under 1,000 cubic meters now, posing a serious risk of creating a large population suffering from severe water deprivation.

Historically, the primary reasons for Pakistan’s water scarcity have been identified as population increase, swift urban expansion, climate change impacting glaciers and monsoon cycles, and improper handling of water supplies. Nevertheless, no effective policy has been created or put into action for water conservation. For example, the nation has a very limited water storage capacity, with just 30 days’ worth of reserves, in contrast to 900 days in the United States or 700 days in Egypt. Likewise, more than 80 percent of the country’s water resources are utilized by four main crops (rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton), which account for only 5 percent of GDP.

Additionally, approximately 95.8 percent of Pakistan’s water supply is reliant on the Indus River system, which is very vulnerable to climate-related changes. More than 75 percent of Pakistan’s water comes from outside its borders. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), facilitated by the World Bank in 1960, assigns the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—mainly to Pakistan, while the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India.

Nevertheless, in April 2025, India declared a one-sided suspension of its commitments under the IWT after an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 deaths — an event that New Delhi attributed to Islamabad without proof. Pakistan has cautioned that India’s independent choice to put the IWT on hold has led to an extraordinary crisis for Pakistan’s water security and regional stability. This behavior endangers food and economic security, puts at risk the lives of millions relying on these waters, and establishes a hazardous example for the handling of transboundary resources within international law.

In June 2025, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that India is not allowed to unilaterally suspend the treaty. Nevertheless, India has declined to follow the court’s decision and has also chosen not to take part in the legal proceedings. Moreover, as the IWT remains suspended, India is continuing with multiple hydroelectric initiatives in the Indus region, including Sawalkote, Ratle, Bursar, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai I and II.

Recently, in a message for World Water Day, President Zardari once again expressed Pakistan’s firm rejection of India’s unilateral termination of the agreement and urged India to promptly resume full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) as per international responsibilities.

Water is essential for life and supports farming, urban areas, and the ecosystem. Consequently, as challenges to water supplies have increased because of rising population needs, ineffective water management, heavy water consumption in agriculture, and the recent critical issue caused by India’s suspension of the IWT, the question emerges: what actions will the nation, its leaders, and its citizens take?

In response to the growing existential water crisis, Pakistan must promptly implement several policy-level measures. Firstly, modernize agricultural infrastructure by restoring canals and water channels with active involvement from the private sector. The cultivation of water-heavy crops should be reduced, while promoting more drought-resistant options like millet and barley, alongside the use of drip irrigation systems for crop watering. Secondly, urgent construction of both large and small water reservoirs is necessary, transcending political debates and short-term interests. Thirdly, rainwater collection should be encouraged in urban areas, particularly in planned communities where practical models can be developed and later expanded at the provincial and national levels. In addition, wastewater recycling must be prioritized. Fourthly, industries should be encouraged to adopt innovative technologies and methods that reduce water usage through the implementation of less water-intensive processes and the reuse of wastewater. Fifthly, beverage companies producing mineral and carbonated drinks consume vast quantities of water. Given the country’s water scarcity, these companies must face heightened oversight regarding their high water consumption. Therefore, a comprehensive set of policy actions must be carried out simultaneously to protect the nation, its population, and its environment and ecosystem from an impending catastrophe and desertification.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).