PESHAWAR – Water crisis in Pakistan remains a critical and escalating challenge. The country experiences water shortages for most of the year and is also prone to devastating floods, particularly during the monsoon season, which cause widespread damage to infrastructure, displace populations, and harm agriculture.
Pakistan’s water-intensive crops, such as sugarcane and rice, place additional pressure on already water-stressed regions. Pakistan’s water crisis is multifaceted, with far-reaching consequences for its economy, environment, and national security.
The federal government has requested details from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding actions taken to safeguard water resources, reuse wastewater, control water wastage, and make progress on the objectives of the National Water Policy.
Central to this effort is the concept of effective water resources management, which aims to address both immediate and long-term challenges.In a formal communication, it was emphasized that due to the growing challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and water scarcity, it has become essential for relevant departments at both federal and provincial levels to adopt the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which form the foundation of the National Water Policy.
This policy underscores the importance of ensuring the sustainable and equitable management of the country’s water resources. The Federal Flood Commission, under the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that as the secretariat of the National Water Policy Steering Committee, it is reviewing the actions taken by provincial governments and relevant federal agencies to meet the goals outlined in the National Water Policy.
Therefore, details have been requested from concerned departments on measures taken to manage drinking water demand, improve sewage disposal systems, handle wastewater and industrial discharge, and enhance system efficiency through appropriate investments. This also includes steps to reduce non-revenue water and improve urban water management, all critical aspects of effective water resources management. Additionally, details have been sought on the treatment and potential reuse of wastewater, ensuring full financial sustainability for domestic, agricultural, and municipal water supply and sanitation systems, and initiatives to address water wastage, theft, and the allocation of non-revenue water through water metering.
The emphasis on comprehensive water resources management reflects the federal government’s recognition of the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect and manage water resources and overcome water crisis in Pakistan crises effectively.
