ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic water security is constrained by falling per capita water availability, insufficient storage, and heavy reliance on poorly monitored groundwater resources for industrial activity, said the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
In its latest report, “Asian Water Development Outlook 2025”, the ADB stated that Pakistan faces growing pressure on its water resources due to rapid population growth, climate change, and poor water management. Per capita water availability dropped from 3,500 cubic meters (m³) in 1972 to just 1,100 m³ in 2020.
Despite increased WASH funding, Pakistan still faces a significant gap, falling short of the estimated USD 12.3 billion needed to meet SDG 6.1 and 6.2.
More than 80 percent of the population lacks access to safe drinking water, contributing to widespread waterborne diseases. Groundwater overuse in agriculture has led to depletion and arsenic contamination.
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Climate-related hazards such as erratic monsoons, glacial melt, and floods add further strain, with the 2022 floods displacing millions. Upstream water control and infrastructure challenges continue to threaten the Indus River system, Pakistan’s lifeline.
Pakistan’s water security assessment provides an overview of progress between 2013 and 2025, alongside water governance performance from 2017 to 2023. It noted that Pakistan’s rural household water security remains under pressure due to ineffective service models, limited surveillance, and persistent contamination, though improvements in hygiene and health outcomes have been observed.
Urban water security has shown only modest gains, with rising demand, untreated wastewater, and urban flooding straining infrastructure and service delivery. Environmental water security has declined slightly, as rapid population growth, industrial activity, and untreated wastewater continue to degrade aquatic ecosystems. Water-related disaster security fell during the early part of the period and has remained stagnant, with Pakistan experiencing major flood and drought events, including GLOFs.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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