Pakistan’s growing water crisis threatens its agricultural sector

According to Dr. Mian Zahid Hussain, a Chairman of the National Business Group of Pakistan and former governmental executive, Pakistan’s agricultural sector faces a mounting threat due to worsening water scarcity, raising concerns about potential droughts and economic instability. Hussain, who alsoholds multiple leadership roles in the country’s business community, emphasized that despite Pakistan’s reliance on agriculture, efforts to conserve water remain insufficient. He noted that as water scarcity intensifies, water wastage continues to rise, heightening the risk of severe repercussions.

Addressing the businesses, Hussain warned that Punjab and Sindh, Pakistan’s key agricultural provinces, face a heightened risk of drought that could impact millions. He stressed the need for urgent policy measures to prevent potential devastation to the population and economy. Expert highlighted the declining water reserves in the Tarbela and Mangla dams, which are approaching critically low levels due to insufficient rainfall. This decline threatens vital crops in Punjab and Sindh, including wheat, barley, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. He cautioned that such a scenario could result in significant financial losses for farmers and trigger sharp increases in food prices, posing a risk to Pakistan’s economic recovery.

The Indus Water System Authority has alerted provincial irrigation departments about the escalating crisis. Currently, Punjab and Sindh are experiencing a 35% water shortage, and 13 districts in Sindh—including Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Khairpur, Benazirabad, Larkana, Tharparkar, and Nowshera Feroze—are at risk of drought conditions.

Hussain called on both authorities and farmers to adopt proactive measures to mitigate the crisis and protect agricultural output. He warned that without sufficient rainfall, both major reservoirs could hit critical lows by the end of March, posing a direct threat to Pakistan’s food security and economic stability. Despite some relief from recent rains, he underscored the need for emergency measures to avert a worsening crisis.