Pakistan Warns of Escalating Water Crisis Amid Indus Treaty Tensions with India

DID Press: Senior Pakistani officials issued a warning about the intensifying water crisis as the country marked World Water Day, calling for urgent national and international action to address climate impacts and ensure equitable water access.

Asif Ali Zardari criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, urging full implementation of the accord and describing the move as a violation of international commitments. He warned that such actions threaten food and economic security and put the livelihoods of millions who depend on shared water resources at risk.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif stated that the country is facing a severe water shortage, noting that per capita water availability has declined dramatically—from about 5,260 cubic meters at independence to less than 1,000 cubic meters today.

Sharif identified climate change factors, including irregular rainfall patterns and shifts in glacial systems, as key drivers of the crisis, emphasizing that water scarcity is affecting daily life, livelihoods, and social structures nationwide.

Pakistani officials also highlighted the gender dimension of the water crisis, noting that women and girls bear the greatest burden, particularly in rural areas where water collection is time-consuming and limits educational and economic opportunities.

The government announced ongoing reforms under its national water policy aimed at safeguarding future water resources and increasing women’s participation in water management. Officials stressed that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and warned that continued shortages could undermine social and economic stability.