Pakistan’s water crisis deepens, ranks 14th globally

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has been ranked 14th among the world’s most water-scarce countries, highlighting a growing threat to the country’s agriculture, food security, and economy, according to a recent research report. The report revealed that Pakistan’s annual per capita water availability has declined dramatically from 5,260 cubic metres in 1951 to below 1,000 cubic metres, crossing the internationally recognised threshold for severe water scarcity. It warned that climate change is accelerating the crisis through rising temperatures, erratic monsoon rainfall, prolonged droughts, and recurring floods, all of which are adversely affecting agricultural productivity. The report further attributed Pakistan’s agricultural challenges not only to climate change but also to weak policies and governance. Inefficient irrigation systems, declining soil fertility, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, continuous cultivation of the same crops, and poor implementation of agricultural policies have intensified the impact of climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Agriculture contributes 24 per cent to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment to more than 37 per cent of the country’s workforce. However, the sector is currently facing mounting pressure due to worsening water shortages and environmental challenges. According to the report, the availability of renewable freshwater resources per capita continues to decline, increasing concerns over long-term water and food security. The study called for the effective implementation of the National Climate Change Policy, National Food Security Policy, Recharge Pakistan Initiative, and the Green Taxonomy Framework. It also recommends expanding modern irrigation systems, restoring degraded land, strengthening advisory services for farmers, improving climate-resilient financing, and enhancing collaboration among the government, univ