Bone dry

Water scarcity in Pakistan is a ticking time bomb that demands immediate attention. With per-capita water availability dropping alarmingly, the country teeters on the edge of a full-blown crisis. Climate change, mismanagement, and outdated irrigation systems are draining our precious resources like water through a sieve. Despite agriculture consuming around 95 per cent of our water, inefficient practices leave us high and dry. Meanwhile, urban centres grapple with a lack of clean drinking water, turning this basic necessity into a luxury for many.

Adding fuel to the fire is the absence of sufficient storage facilities like dams and reservoirs, which worsens the situation. The need of the hour is to take the bull by the horns. The government must fast-track the construction of dams, modernise irrigation methods, and implement strict policies to curb water wastage. Public awareness campaigns can also teach citizens to save every drop. If we continue to bury our heads in the sand, the repercussions will ripple through every aspect of life – impacting health, agriculture, and industries.

Laiba Noor

Islamabad