WATER, a lifeline for human beings, is undeniably crucial for the peaceful coexistence of communities and the prosperity of nations. In Pakistan, a country blessed with diverse landscapes, rivers and an untapped agricultural potential, water has always played a pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods. However, the current water crisis in Pakistan is not only threatening the availability of this precious resource but is also putting national unity at risk. A recent report of the UN Global Water Security 2023 Assessment places Pakistan in the critically water insecure category. The water crisis shatters the foundations of national unity as it impacts food production and disrupts life in urban areas, industrial production and inter-provincial relations.
First, food security is a founding pillar of national unity. In Pakistan, agriculture is a primary driver of the economy and a major source of employment for its burgeoning population. However, agriculture heavily relies on a consistent and reliable water supply. The water crisis has disrupted this equilibrium, imperiling food security. Insufficient water for irrigation leads to decreased agricultural productivity, food shortages and rising food prices.
Sindh and Punjab, two of Pakistan’s largest agricultural provinces, have faced water-related concerns. Historically, both provinces have been essential contributors to the nation’s food security. However, in recent years, water scarcity has become a contentious issue between the two provinces. Moreover, the menace of climate change has given birth to the risk of floods and droughts with minimum chances of taking any mitigation measures as climate patterns have become unreliable. It means that even if we plan things to manage the available water resources, we will remain at risk of facing water-related disasters owing to the vulnerable nature of our climate. This scenario provides a constant risk to the pillars of national integration.
Rapid urbanization is another facet of Pakistan’s development that is intensifying the water crisis. As people flock to cities in search of better opportunities, the demand for freshwater has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, many Pakistani cities are grappling with a severe shortage of fresh water. The combination of inadequate infrastructure, mismanagement and an ever-growing population puts immense pressure on the already strained water supply.
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest and most populous city, provides a stark example. As urbanization continues unabated, Karachi’s water needs have outstripped its supply. The result is that millions of residents face daily water shortages and water tankers have become a common sight in many neighborhoods. Rural areas, where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood, face the brunt of water scarcity, while cities consume a disproportionate share. This disparity can exacerbate tension, creating a rift between urban and rural communities in the coming years. National unity can only thrive when both urban and rural areas receive equitable access to resources, including water. On the other hand, industries in Pakistan are vital contributors to the national economy. However, the industrial sector is also grappling with the water crisis. Shortages of water in industrial areas hamper production and hinder economic growth.
Balochistan is a province rich in natural resources but struggling with industrial development due to water scarcity. The province has immense potential for economic growth, particularly in the mining and energy sectors. However, there is a need to supply water to the industrial sector in the province for the establishment and expansion of industries. This, in turn, will reduce the economic miseries of the province. Similarly, industries in other provinces require a constant supply of water. The textile industry and luxury goods industries require ample amounts of water. Water scarcity creates a sense of economic disparity among the people as shortage of water halts industrial production. Therefore, overcoming water scarcity is essential to strengthen cohesion among provinces and thwart national disintegration.
National unity thrives when mutual progress and prosperity are guaranteed. Water is not merely a regional issue; it is a matter of collective responsibility. If water is not shared equally among the citizens of a nation, it becomes a breeding ground for disintegration. In Pakistan, the water crisis has become a tipping point for friction among provinces as the increasing demand for water contains seeds of erosion of national unity. Water crisis generates a blame game among the people of a state. Accusations of water theft and mismanagement become commonplace when this sacred resource becomes rare. This further deepens the rifts within a country.
Pakistan has already been facing many external challenges and there is no room for challenges like the water crisis to become threatening. Water education, to be taught as a subject in schools and colleges, must be given to the young generation. Moreover, a widespread media campaign must be initiated to give people awareness about water conservation. The government needs to focus on all the water conservation-related projects. In the agricultural and industrial sectors, modern technologies need to be implemented to conserve water. Above all, a ten-year policy to manage the water crisis must be made with the consent of all the provinces. All these steps are essential to ensure national integration and overcome water scarcity.
While Pakistan has been going through financial, social and political turmoil, the issue of the water crisis is being ignored. The water crisis in Pakistan is not just a matter of water scarcity; it’s a challenge to national unity. As the availability of freshwater dwindles, the issues of food security, urbanization, industry, provincial relations and the blame game have all emerged as threats to the country’s cohesion. To ensure national unity, Pakistan must tackle its water crisis holistically, addressing the availability of water and the equitable distribution of this life-sustaining resource among its diverse regions. Only through cooperation and collective responsibility can Pakistan navigate the treacherous waters of the water crisis and safeguard its national unity. It is high time for Pakistan to recognize that the water crisis is not just an environmental issue but a test of its ability to maintain unity in the face of adversity. Only by addressing the water-related needs of the population in all the provinces can we discover the treasure of unshakable national cohesion and integration.
—The writer is CSS Officer, based in Sargodha.
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