Pakistan is grappling with a severe water scarcity issue, as per capita availability has plummeted from 5,260 cubic meters to under 1,000 cubic meters since its inception. In his World Water Day message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of gender equality in water management and decision-making processes.
The government is implementing several reforms under the National Water Policy to secure future water resources. These include constructing dams like Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand for increased storage capacity and providing drinking water. The Naulong Dam and Nai Gaj Dam aim to enhance agricultural irrigation, while the Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) is crucial for improving water supply in Karachi.
Sharif also emphasized the need to reduce water wastage by 33 percent and increase water efficiency by 30 percent through improved canal system management. This will not only boost overall water availability but also contribute to sustainable economic development amid climate change impacts.