Addressing scarcity: Experts stress need for full implementation of water policy

ISLAMABAD: Experts stressed the need for full implementation of the National Water Policy (NWP) for effective planning and management of water resources in all sectors to address water scarcity in Pakistan.

Khan Faraz, a climate expert told Business Recorder here on Friday that Federal Minister for Water Resources presented detailed data in the National Assembly regarding the country’s available water resources in relation to population growth.

In 2017, Pakistan’s total population was 207.77 million, with a per capita water availability of 1,102 cubic meters per person. In 2023, the population reached 241.49 million, resulting in per capita water availability of 948 cubic meters per person.

He explained that considering the population growth rate of 2.55 percent, the population is projected to reach around 288.04 million by 2030. Accordingly, the estimated annual per capita water availability for 2030 is projected to be 795 cubic meters. The primary cause of the decline in per capita water availability and Pakistan’s transition from a water stressed to a water-scarce country is its population growth.

National Water Policy (NWP) 2018, duly approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI), takes cognizance of the water crisis and provides an overall policy framework and guidelines for a comprehensive plan of action.

The policy also highlights the strategic priorities for effective planning and management of water resources in all sectors, i.e., improving storage facilities, water governance, investing in modern irrigation technologies, and enhancing climate-resilient water management strategies to address water scarcity and ensure a sustainable water-secure future, Khan Faraz added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025