Permanent crisis

Per capita water availability in the country has been declining at an alarming rate, dropping from 1,500 cubic meters in 2009 to 1,017 cubic meters in 2021. As of today, water availability per capita has plummeted to a dangerously low 860 cubic meters — close to the water scarcity threshold of 500 cubic meters. Given the present conditions, it is projected to fall further to 500 cubic meters by 2040.

Currently, only an estimated 39 per cent of Pakistanis have access to safe and clean drinking water, while the remaining 61 per cent are deprived of this basic necessity and fundamental right. Despite the lofty promises of successive governments, no substantial measures have been implemented to solve the water crisis.

Engr Hussain Ahmad Siddiqui

Islamabad