Water scarcity has shifted from a distant concern to a pressing crisis. The combined effects of climate change, poor water management, and growing populations are pushing many regions to the brink of severe water shortages. While this crisis is global, it is especially urgent in South Asia, where countries like Iran and Pakistan face dire water shortages, signaling a clear emergency.
In one country, once abundant in water, rivers are drying up, rainfall has become unpredictable, and the systems that once supported agriculture and life are failing. Cities like Tehran, once known for their reliable water supply, are now struggling with severe shortages.
Water cuts are widespread, and public holidays have been declared to conserve water. In the hot summer months, power outages became common as the electricity grid could not keep up with the rising demand. The situation has been worsened by climate change and over-reliance on groundwater and outdated irrigation systems. Aquifers are being drained unsustainably, and water levels continue to drop.
This crisis isn’t just about numbers; it’s a matter of lives at risk. In fact, one of the five major reservoirs supplying the capital city has already dried up, and others are dangerously low. The situation is urgent and demands immediate action.
The country in question is Iran, but the same could apply to Pakistan. Both countries face similar challenges: poor water management, exacerbated by climate change. Iran and Pakistan depend on a single river system for most of their water supply, with agriculture consuming the majority. However, inefficient irrigation systems, over-extraction of groundwater, and aging infrastructure are pushing both nations to the brink.
Iran, once relying on large dams and traditional irrigation methods, finds these systems insufficient to handle the extreme weather patterns brought by climate change. Similarly, Pakistan’s major dams are aging, and outdated canal systems waste a significant amount of water. In both countries, the growing demand for water due to urbanization and agriculture is putting immense pressure on already strained resources.
Both countries also face a common problem: outdated infrastructure. In Iran, aquifers are being over-extracted, and Pakistan’s canal systems lose vast amounts of water due to inefficiencies. Both countries need to modernize their infrastructure to manage water resources more efficiently.
Policy improvements are crucial in both Iran and Pakistan. In Iran, the government has often prioritized short-term economic concerns over long-term sustainability. In Pakistan, water strategies have failed to keep up with the needs of modern agriculture and growing populations. Neither country has adequately invested in advanced water management systems, leaving them more vulnerable to the ongoing crisis.
For both countries to move forward, they must adopt more sustainable and efficient water practices. Iran should prioritize improving water use in agriculture. Modern irrigation methods, such as drip and sprinkler systems, can significantly reduce water wastage. The country also needs to repair and update its old dam infrastructure and invest in small-scale local water storage systems to support communities during dry spells.
Similarly, Pakistan needs major changes in its irrigation systems. Repairing canals, reducing losses, and introducing water-saving technologies are essential steps. The country should focus on small and medium-sized water storage projects, rather than relying so heavily on large dams. Water conservation must be promoted through public awareness campaigns and more efficient industrial practices. Exploring alternative sources such as desalination and treated wastewater could provide a new way to reduce pressure on existing water supplies.
Both countries must also invest more in technologies that improve water efficiency. Rainwater harvesting systems, wastewater treatment plants, and desalination units could help reduce reliance on natural water sources and ensure long-term water security.
Stronger laws around water conservation are also needed. Clear rules and penalties for wasteful practices would help create long-term water security.
The water crises in Iran and Pakistan are urgent and require immediate action. Both countries suffer from inefficient water use, aging infrastructure, and pressure from agriculture. However, with modern systems, sustainable practices, and stronger conservation efforts, they can work toward a more secure water future.
Whether it’s a farmer in Sindh watching his field dry or a family in Tehran storing water in containers, these examples show that this crisis affects real people. The time to act is now, before the water runs out.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The writer is an expert on institutional development, finance and governance