Pakistan’s Water Economy

Abstract

PakistanPakistan is facing severe water shortages which affect almost all the sectors of the economy and particularly the agricultural sector which currently consumes over 93% of the country's total water. This study highlights the key challenges faced by Pakistan'sPakistan water sector; after this, some remedial measures intended to cope with water scarcityWater scarcity in PakistanPakistan will be suggested. It is recommended to increase water storage capacity by constructing mega reservoirs. It is also suggested to adopt crops consuming less water per acre. Water governance should be improved so as to monitor water leakages as well as public distribution and water rights. The canal water prices should be determined through market forces so as to allocate this scarce resource efficiently. Wastewater needs to be recycled for irrigationIrrigation purposes. The facilities of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene should be improved so as to reduce health risks as well as health-related costs burdening the economy.