Urgent Measures for Sustainable Future: Addressing Pakistan’s Impending Water Crisis
Published on: December 29, 2023.
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The Importance of Water Management in Pakistan
Water is an essential resource that plays a vital role in sustaining life and driving various industries. From food production to manufacturing, it is a key component in numerous commodities. However, Pakistan is currently facing a significant challenge in terms of population growth and the equitable distribution of resources, with water being at the forefront of this issue. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on water conservation and management to ensure a sustainable future.
The Role of Water in Pakistan’s Economy
The agricultural sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, with a staggering 95% of the country’s water dedicated to this sector. Around 60% of the population is engaged in agriculture and livestock activities, which also account for 80% of the country’s exports. However, this heavy reliance on water-intensive crops like wheat, rice, sugar cane, and cotton has put immense pressure on the water supply.
A significant concern is the prediction made by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) of a severe water crisis by 2025. The transition from a “water stress line” in 1990 to a “water scarcity line” in 2005 has had detrimental effects on public health and the economy. Approximately 80% of the supplied water is unsafe, leading to waterborne diseases and a loss of 1.44% of the GDP. Furthermore, the per capita annual water availability has declined from 1500 cubic meters in 2009 to 1017 cubic meters in 2021, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates a further decline to 274 million acre-feet (MAF) by 2025, resulting in a significant demand-supply gap.
Pakistan’s Water Crisis
Despite having abundant water resources, Pakistan is classified as one of the world’s 36 water-stressed countries. This issue is highlighted in Uzair Sattar’s study, “Pakistan’s Political Economy Perpetuates Its Water Crisis,” which calls for policies ensuring fair and equitable water distribution, drawing inspiration from EU strategies. While efforts are being made to address this challenge, Pakistan needs to implement policies that monitor water distribution with justice and equity.
Innovative Solutions for Water Management
To tackle the challenges posed by climate change, water management, conservation, and distribution, various scholars, specialists, and startups are actively engaged in both the government and private sectors. Dr. Shakeel Hayat, a climate change and WASH specialist, proposes an integrative bargaining system known as the benefit-sharing approach. This approach advocates for the equitable distribution of resources based on need and departure from the traditional population-centric distributive system.
Policymakers in Pakistan can enhance domestic water security by allowing the transfer of water resources between different sectors within the water-intensive agricultural industry. They should also promote competitiveness in non-agricultural export sectors and review the fair taxation of water usage, particularly regarding the Colonial Canal and Drainage Act of 1873. International financial institutions and bilateral lenders can play a crucial role by adopting eco-friendly lending, trade, and investment practices to encourage these policy changes. Moreover, international financial institutions may allocate donor states’ voluntary Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) based on demonstrated progress toward environmentally focused Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bilateral partners interested in investing in Pakistan’s agricultural sector through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) can direct resources towards less water-intensive crops.
A Call for Collective Action
In conclusion, Pakistan is on the brink of a severe water crisis, and urgent action is required on a comprehensive scale. The global community, international institutions, and bilateral partners must collaborate to address this impending catastrophe. Only through collective efforts and innovative policies can Pakistan navigate the challenges of water scarcity and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for its people.
Source: Daily Times
