Pakistan's mismanaged river water issues result in a catastrophic US $29 billion economic loss, each year due to the country's low water storage capacity. The UNDP has estimated that Pakistan might experience an extreme water shortage by 2025, with annual water availability, falling below 500 cubic meters per person. The impact of climate change, such as melting glaciers in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountainous regions, also jeopardizes long-term water supplies besides increasing the likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

To address Pakistan's water issue, a diversified strategy is needed, including building additional dams, improving irrigation practices, implementing wastewater recycling, public awareness and behavioral change, stronger regulatory frameworks, and technological innovations. The Indus Water Treaty, which oversees the distribution of water from the Indus River between India and Pakistan, is an example of a successful international agreement that has secured water-sharing over decades.

Policy reforms, public awareness initiatives, and international collaboration are all crucial steps. Failure to solve these challenges would increase economic losses while jeopardizing millions of Pakistanis' future food security and livelihoods. As Irshad Khan warned, the threat of starvation looms big over the country, and it is time for Pakistan to take strong action and ensure its water future.

In a country, where water is both lifeblood and livelihood, Pakistan's mismanaged river flows result in a catastrophic US $29 billion economic loss each year. The essence of the issue is the country's low water storage capacity, which has lasted for decades and now threatens future generations' existence.

In 2021, Senator Mohammad Yousuf Badini presided over a Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources meeting, which highlighted the importance of the issue. Rao Irshad Ali Khan, a Member of Punjab of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), issued a severe warning: "We and future generations will die of hunger if we do not build dams." His statements reflected a terrible reality: US $ 29 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, worth US $1 billion per MAF, runs unutilized into the Arabian Sea annually. This is water that might otherwise irrigate enormous swaths of land, sustain agriculture, and ensure the nation's food supply.

The Dams Debate: A Decades-Old Dilemma

The topic of dams in Pakistan is not new. The Mangla and Tarbela Dams, with storage capacities of 7.3 MAF and 6 MAF, respectively, have long been key components of the country's water management plan. However, their capabilities have dwindled over time, owing to sedimentation, further aggravating the situation. Irshad Khan pointed out that Mangla Dam's storage capacity, which was originally 9.7 MAF, has decreased drastically, putting further demand on resources.

Since 1976, there have been no new large-scale water storage projects, allowing millions of acre-feet of potentially valuable water to go to waste. This water might have been used to cultivate more virgin land, increasing agricultural output and providing for an expanding population.

Political and Regional Tensions

The Senate Committee hearing also emphasized the regional tensions that affect Pakistan's water management system. The long-standing controversy over water allocation between Sindh and Punjab was examined, but no apparent settlement was in sight. The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP)’s legal interpretations of water distribution have only resulted in the creation of new committees to seek answers.

Another important concern is the failure to construct a telemetry system, capable of reliably monitoring water flows. The first contractor was fired for poor performance, even though it was supposed to improve transparency and eliminate water-related issues. This failure has delayed a critical national initiative, raising questions about responsibility and governance.

The Bigger Picture: A Looming Water Crisis

Beyond the immediate economic losses, the long-term consequences of Pakistan's water mismanagement are concerning. According to a UNDP estimate, Pakistan may experience extreme water shortage by 2025, with annual water availability falling below 500 cubic meters per person. Currently, per capita availability is at 930 cubic meters, which is already below the threshold for water stress.

Climate change exacerbates the issue, as glaciers in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountains are melting at unprecedented rates. This not only jeopardizes long-term water supplies but also increases the likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can have catastrophic consequences for downstream towns.

The Need for Immediate and Long-Term Solutions

Addressing Pakistan's water issue demands a diversified strategy. Building additional dams is an important step, but it is not a cure. Sustainable water management techniques, technical advancements, and regulatory changes are all equally vital.

Increasing Storage Capacity: New dam projects and the enlargement of existing ones are required to catch and store more water. Small dams, particularly in rain-fed areas, can play an important role in this respect.

Improved Irrigation Practices: Modern irrigation methods, like as drip and sprinkler systems, may greatly minimize water waste. These strategies guarantee that water reaches the roots of plants, reducing evaporation and runoff. The crop types and pattern of harvesting need to be re-looked at.

Wastewater Recycling: Pakistan may learn from countries like Singapore, which uses wastewater recycling to supply 40% of its water demands, and create comparable water reuse systems. This not only conserves freshwater resources but also ensures a consistent supply for non-potable applications.

Public Awareness and Behavioral Change: Educating the public on water conservation practices remains critical. Campaigns aimed at families, schools, and companies can promote measures such as leak repair, water-saving fixtures, and drought-resistant landscaping.

Stronger regulatory frameworks and improved enforcement: Both are required to guarantee effective water usage and management. The hiring of water inspectors and the creation of an aquifer authority to monitor groundwater levels can assist in reducing over-extraction and depletion.

Technological Innovations: It is critical to implement sophisticated water monitoring and management technologies, such as the long-delayed telemetry system. These systems give reliable data on water flow and consumption, allowing for more effective planning and conflict resolution.

The Role of International Cooperation

International collaboration and aid can also help Pakistan handle its water issue. The Indus Water Treaty, which oversees the distribution of water from the Indus River between India and Pakistan, is an example of a successful international agreement that has secured water-sharing over decades. However, recent events, such as India's building of the Shahpur Kandi barrage, which diverts water from Pakistan, underscore the importance of continued discussion and collaboration.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Pakistan is at a crossroads. The economic losses from unused river flows, along with the imminent prospect of extreme water shortage, necessitate immediate and dramatic action. Building additional dams, upgrading irrigation methods, and using novel water management technology are all necessary tasks. Policy reforms, public awareness initiatives, and international collaboration are all equally crucial.

Failure to solve these challenges would increase economic losses while also jeopardizing millions of Pakistanis' future food security and livelihoods. As Irshad Khan warned, the threat of starvation looms big over the country. It is time for Pakistan to take strong action and ensure its water future.

Waleed Sami is a postgraduate student of Strategic Studies from the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), a school of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. Waleed completed his bachelor's from the National Defence University Islamabad (NDU) in International Relations.