ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday presented a comprehensive national strategy aimed at addressing Pakistan’s escalating water crisis, emphasizing that the challenge stems not only from scarcity but also from long-standing mismanagement.
Speaking at the “Roundtable Consultation on National Water Security” under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, the minister said Pakistan’s water issues now fluctuate between extreme shortages and devastating floods, making effective water management as critical as water availability itself.
He stressed the need for a unified, science-based and long-term national approach, warning that fragmented responses would no longer be sufficient.
“This challenge cannot be solved in silos, whether between the federation and provinces or across sectors,” Ahsan Iqbal said, adding that water security has now become a matter of national security. He also pointed to external pressures and the risk of water being used as a strategic tool, which he said further increases vulnerability.
Focus on dams, storage expansion
Highlighting Pakistan’s limited water storage capacity—estimated at around 90 days, far below international standards—the minister called for urgent consensus on expanding reservoirs through large, medium and small dams, along with recharge systems, floodwater storage, hill torrent management, and urban rainwater harvesting.
“New water reserves should be seen as the foundation of national survival, not political debate,” he said.
Agricultural efficiency and modernisation
Ahsan Iqbal noted that agriculture consumes the majority of Pakistan’s water but remains inefficient due to outdated irrigation practices. He proposed a national water efficiency mission focused on modern irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler technology, laser land leveling, digital irrigation methods, wastewater recycling, and transparent water accounting.
“We must adopt the principle of more value per drop,” he stated, linking water reforms with crop patterns, subsidies, and pricing mechanisms.
Groundwater crisis and governance
The minister also warned about unchecked groundwater extraction, calling it a “silent lifeline under threat.” He urged the establishment of a national groundwater governance framework, including aquifer mapping, recharge systems, extraction regulation, solar tube-well management, and community-led conservation efforts.
“The falling water table and rising pollution are creating a silent storm beneath our feet,” he cautioned.
Technology and climate resilience
Emphasizing modernization, he called for a shift toward data-driven water management using real-time telemetry, satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence, smart metering, and flood forecasting systems.
Ahsan Iqbal also underscored the importance of climate resilience, including preparedness for droughts, glacier melt, and flash floods, alongside improved drainage infrastructure.
“Pakistan needs a real-time national water information system to support decision-making on river flows, reservoirs, groundwater levels, and climate risks,” he added.
