Is Pakistan running dry?

Abstract

The 2018 National Water Policy of Pakistan states that from a 5260 m3 surface water availability back in 1951, it has been reduced to 1000 m3 in 2016. If things remain the way they are, it is likely to drop to 860 m3 by 2050. It gives a clarion call for ‘rapid development and management of the country’s water resources on a water footing’. To address their water challenges the Pakistani government is relying a lot on the supply side management of waters which may not be very effective. The decline in water is also affecting the power generation and other sectors which are dependent on it.