Between Thirst and Floods: Pakistan’s Water Story

Writer: Chauhdary Jamshaid Sharif Bugg

Pakistan’s water story is one of extremes. At times, droughts leave people thirsty, while at others, floods wash away homes, crops, and hopes. Between these realities lies a struggle that defines the nation’s survival.

The Qur’an reminds us that water is one of Allah’s greatest blessings: “And We made from water every living thing” (21:30). It is the foundation of life, sustenance, and survival. Yet, in Pakistan, this blessing is turning into a crisis.

At independence in 1947, West Pakistan’s population was around 34 million, and per capita water availability was 5,260 cubic meters. Today, with more than 255 million people, it has fallen below 1,000 cubic meters—placing Pakistan among the world’s most water-stressed countries. According to the IMF, Pakistan ranks third globally in water scarcity, while consuming at the fourth-highest rate. Despite this crisis, Pakistan has built only about 150 dams, compared with more than 62,000 worldwide. The country receives 145 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually but can store only 13.7 MAF. Nearly 29 MAF of floodwater is wasted each year due to insufficient reservoirs. With storage capacity for just 30 days, Pakistan lags far behind India (170–220 days) and the U.S. (900 days).

Mismanagement worsens the problem. In cities, 30–40% of water is lost through leakage. People wash cars and streets carelessly, while agriculture—consuming 96% of total water—relies on inefficient irrigation. Such habits deepen scarcity and create unequal access. Climate change adds further pressure. Although Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global greenhouse gases, it faces some of the harshest impacts. Floods, in particular, have caused staggering destruction. Between 1947 and 2015, 23 major floods killed 12,000 people and caused US$38 billion in losses. The 2010 floods alone displaced 20 million people, while the 2022 floods claimed 1,700 lives and caused damages of nearly $15 billion.

When I visited my village, Nawankot in Nankana Sahib, during the floods along the River Ravi, the sight was unforgettable. Water stretched endlessly in every direction, swallowing fields, homes, and hopes. The silence of the drowned land was more painful than the roar of the river. Nearly 150–200 murabba of farmland was destroyed, leaving farmers shattered. Their eyes revealed sleepless nights and unbearable loss, yet their lips carried faint smiles and their hearts gratitude to Allah. For them, crops are not mere plants—they are life itself: school fees, university dreams, weddings of children, and the bread that sustains countless families. With fields submerged, every roti on the table became uncertain. One farmer told me, with trembling words, that each acre had cost nearly one hundred thousand rupees, now washed away. Had the crops reached the market, each acre could have brought in two hundred thousand rupees. This was not just financial loss—it was the collapse of futures.

Yet, despite losing everything, these farmers bowed their heads in gratitude to Allah. Their patience and resilience humbled me. From this one village, we can hear the cry of millions across the country—families enduring hunger, shattered dreams, and yet standing firm with faith.

The state machinery, Army personnel and rescue workers worked tirelessly, but what touched the heart most was the spirit of humanity among villagers. Shoulder to shoulder, they helped each other. The most inspiring were the Malah brothers, who, with only a boat and immense courage, risked their lives to save wheat from the raging waters—a living symbol of unity, bravery, and selfless service.

To move toward water security, Pakistan must declare a national water emergency. Agriculture must modernize through efficient irrigation. Building small dams, recycling wastewater, and upgrading supply systems can ease pressure, while industries must adopt water-saving technology. Public campaigns should promote conservation, turning every citizen into a guardian of this vital resource.

Pakistan’s water story is not just about scarcity and floods—it is about choices. Water is Allah’s blessing, but its future depends on wise management. The solutions are known. What is needed now is the will to act—before thirst and floods shape the destiny of Pakistan’s tomorrow.

The writer apologizes for any unintentional shortcomings or deficiencies.

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