Islamabad, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : The escalating water crisis in Pakistan is not merely due to a lack of natural water resources, but rather a consequence of governance failures, policy inaction, and poor resource management. According to a recent report, the distribution of responsibilities among various government departments, weak regulations, and a lack of accountability have exacerbated the country’s water issues.
Historically, Pakistan has blamed neighboring India, climate change, and a growing population for its water crisis. However, the report highlights that the real culprits are ineffective policies, mismanagement, unequal distribution of water among provinces, theft, and corruption.
Despite having significant river systems and groundwater resources, Pakistan suffers from inefficient canal distribution, ineffective irrigation systems, uncontrolled groundwater extraction, insufficient investment, and institutional failures. These factors have turned water resource management challenges into a full-blown crisis.
The report also notes that following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, last year, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). In response, several Pakistani lawmakers began blaming New Delhi for the water crisis, a move the report suggests is an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan’s own policy failures.
It points out that no government in Pakistan has made serious efforts to address these issues. The consequences are evident in low agricultural water productivity, a dilapidated and outdated canal system, rapidly depleting groundwater levels, and a weak regulatory framework. The report clearly states that India cannot be held responsible for these failures.
Over the past 50 years, Pakistan has not constructed a single major reservoir for water storage. The uncontrolled extraction of groundwater is exacerbated by over 1.5 million tube wells in the country. Additionally, cheap electricity and power theft have further intensified this problem.
The report indicates that while the Pakistani government has periodically acknowledged the need for water management reforms, it has failed to implement the necessary changes. As a result, the groundwater crisis continues to deepen.
Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, is specifically mentioned, where groundwater levels fell dangerously low in July. According to local reports, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has either completely halted or severely limited water supply in several areas.
Residents in neighborhoods such as Sariab, Sirki Road, Samungli Road, Jinnah Town, Kambarani Road, Satellite Town, Subzal Road, and Khayaban-e-Aga have faced significant water shortages. Many families went without tap water for up to six months, forcing women, the elderly, and children to walk long distances to fetch water. Locals have alleged that despite regularly paying their bills, they have received no water, with officials only offering assurances in response to complaints.
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