Pakistan Establishes High-Level Task Force to Address Water Scarcity

The federal government of Pakistan has established a high-level task force to address worsening water scarcity and its impact on the Rabi and Kharif crops. The task force, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik and Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, held its first meeting in Islamabad to outline urgent measures to counter water shortages. The task force aims to develop practical, forward-looking measures to mitigate current and future water shortages, with a focus on rainwater harvesting, reducing water wastage, and pilot programs for drought-hit farmers.

Key Takeaways:

• The task force will analyze 40 years of hydrological data to identify trends and guide policy to mitigate the risks of water scarcity.
• Water scarcity poses a severe threat to Pakistan's food security and economy, with agriculture accounting for 90% of freshwater use.
• The task force will review agricultural and household water demand, causes of recurring shortages, and annual availability fluctuations.
• International donor engagement was highlighted as vital for long-term solutions to address water scarcity in Pakistan.
• The task force's findings could shape national water conservation and climate adaptation strategies.
• Dr. Malik emphasized the need to monitor domestic and cross-border water flows, warning that regional uncertainties could disrupt supplies.
• The task force instructed to develop practical measures to counter both current and future water shortages.
• Water inflow and outflow in rivers and reservoirs was also discussed, with a focus on reducing water wastage and implementing pilot programs for drought-hit farmers.

Statistics:

• 90% of freshwater use in Pakistan is accounted for by agriculture.
• 40 years of hydrological data will be analyzed by the task force to identify trends and guide policy.
• 97,900 cusecs of water was recorded as inflow in the Indus River at Tarbela on the day of the task force meeting.
• 82,000 cusecs of water was recorded as outflow in the Indus River at Tarbela on the day of the task force meeting.
• The total usable water storage in Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma reservoirs was 3.395 MAF.

Sources:

• [Pakistan News International]
• [The Dawn]