Pakistan's Water Crisis Worsens: ADB Sounds Alarm on Mismanagement and Climate Change

Pakistan is facing a devastating water crisis, with over 80% of its population lacking access to clean drinking water. According to the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) latest report, the country's water resources are under extreme stress due to rapid population growth, climate change, and poor governance. The report highlights widespread waterborne diseases, groundwater depletion, and arsenic contamination, exacerbated by erratic monsoon patterns and repeated floods. The ADB notes that Pakistan's per capita water availability has plummeted from 3,500 cubic meters in 1972 to just 1,100 cubic meters in 2020, putting the country on the brink of absolute scarcity. While some progress has been made in hygiene and disaster preparedness, water governance remains plagued by inefficiency, institutional fragmentation, and underfunding. The ADB's report suggests that Pakistan's 2018 National Water Policy, though ambitious, has failed to translate into tangible progress due to weak enforcement. To address the crisis, the ADB recommends activating the National Water Council, promoting volumetric pricing, empowering local authorities, and enforcing stronger environmental protections. Unless Pakistan strengthens its institutions, ensures sustainable financing, and integrates climate resilience into its policies, the ADB warns that the gains in water security will remain uneven and fragile. The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective water management and sustainable development in Pakistan.