Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has introduced a comprehensive, multi-dimensional national strategy to combat Pakistan’s escalating water crisis. The minister emphasized that securing sustainable water resources for the future requires a coordinated, science-driven approach.
A Matter of National Security
Speaking at the ‘Roundtable Consultation on National Water Security’ held under the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative, Iqbal stated that the crisis is rooted in both scarcity and ongoing mismanagement. He noted that the country fluctuates between severe shortages and devastating floods.
The minister asserted that water security has now become a matter of national security. He cautioned that vulnerabilities have increased due to external pressures, including strategic efforts to weaponize water.
Building a Unified Framework
Iqbal called for a move away from “traditional statements” toward a unified water security framework. He argued that the issue cannot be solved in isolation, requiring consensus between the federation, provinces, different regions, and various sectors.
The proposed response must be “national, united, scientific and future-proof.” A key priority is increasing water storage through the construction of large, medium, and small dams, as well as floodwater reservoirs and urban rainwater harvesting.
Modernizing Agricultural Consumption
Agriculture consumes the majority of Pakistan’s water, yet productivity remains low due to outdated irrigation methods. To address this, the minister proposed a national water efficiency and conservation mission.
This mission would focus on the principle of “more value per drop” by implementing laser land levelling, drip and sprinkler systems, and digital irrigation technologies. Other proposed measures include wastewater recycling and transparent water accounting.
Protecting the ‘Silent Lifeline’
Beyond surface water, the minister raised alarms over the unregulated depletion of groundwater. He described these reserves as a “silent lifeline” that is increasingly at risk.
The strategy suggests that water reform measures should be closely connected to pricing structures, subsidies, and the selection of crops to ensure long-term viability.
Future Outlook
If the proposed strategy is adopted, Pakistan may see a shift toward viewing fresh water reserves as a basis for national survival rather than a point of political debate. The government could potentially prioritize the construction of recharge and delay-action dams alongside hill torrent management systems.
The success of these initiatives is likely to depend on the ability of the federation and provinces to reach a national consensus on conservation and infrastructure development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main drivers of Pakistan’s water crisis according to Minister Ahsan Iqbal?
The minister stated that the crisis extends beyond mere scarcity and is also deeply rooted in ongoing mismanagement.
What specific technologies were proposed to improve agricultural water efficiency?
Proposed improvements include laser land levelling, drip and sprinkler systems, digital irrigation technologies, and wastewater recycling.
Why is water now considered a national security issue in Pakistan?
In addition to internal scarcity and mismanagement, the minister cited external pressures, including efforts to strategically weaponize water, as factors increasing the country’s vulnerabilities.
Do you believe technological upgrades in agriculture are enough to offset the risks of groundwater depletion?
