Water resources management in Pakistan

According to the United Nations' "UN World Water Development Report", Pakistan's total actual renewable water resources have seen a decline from 2,961 m³ per capita in 2000. A more recent study reveals that the available water supply has dropped to slightly over 1,000 m³ per person, categorising Pakistan as a high-stress country concerning water availability. Data from the Pakistani federal government's Planning and Development Division indicates that overall water availability has decreased from 1,299 m³ per capita in 1996-97 to 1,101 m³ per capita in 2004-05. Given the factors of a growing population, rapid urbanisation, and increased industrialisation, the situation is expected to worsen in the future.

In parallel, excessive groundwater extraction continues despite the declining water table. The annual growth rate for electric tubewells is reported at 6.7%, while diesel tubewells show an even higher growth rate of approximately 7.4%. Furthermore, increasing pollution and saltwater intrusion pose significant threats to Pakistan's water resources, with about 36% of the groundwater classified as highly saline. These challenges highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management practices to address the impending water crisis in the country.

In urban areas of Pakistan, the majority of water supply is sourced from groundwater, with the exceptions being Karachi and parts of Islamabad, where surface water predominates. Conversely, in most rural areas, groundwater remains the primary source of water. In regions where groundwater is saline, irrigation canals become the main source of domestic water for households. This reliance on varying sources of water underscores the disparities in water availability and quality between urban and rural settings, highlighting the need for improved water management strategies to ensure sustainable access to clean water across the country.