Pakistan Establishes Task-Force to Address Worsening Water Scarcity

A high-level task-force has been established by the federal government to address the critical issue of water scarcity in Pakistan, with a focus on impact on the country's Rabi and Kharif crops. The co-chaired task-force, comprising Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik and Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, held its first meeting to discuss strategies to counter water shortages. The body aims to develop practical 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:

• A high-level task-force has been established to address worsening water scarcity in Pakistan, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik and Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo.
• The task-force aims to develop practical measures to counter both current and future water shortages, including strategies such as rainwater harvesting, reducing water wastage, and pilot programs for drought-hit farmers.
• International donor engagement was highlighted as vital for long-term solutions, and the body was instructed to analyze 40 years of hydrological data to identify trends and guide policy.
• The task-force's findings could shape national water conservation and climate adaptation strategies, with a focus on mitigating the severe threat posed by water scarcity to Pakistan's food security and economy.
• Water scarcity poses a significant 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 to inform policy decisions.
• Dr. Malik emphasized the need to monitor domestic and cross-border water flows, warning that regional uncertainties could disrupt supplies, and highlighting the importance of preparedness for potential cross-border flow disruptions.

Statistics:

• Agriculture accounts for 90% of Pakistan's freshwater use.
• The task-force has been instructed to analyze 40 years of hydrological data to identify trends and guide policy.
• The body aims to develop practical measures to counter both current and future water shortages.

Sources:

• Staff Reporter (2023, February 3). "Task force to address water scarcity in Punjab." The News International.
• "Pakistan's Water Crisis and the Role of Renewable Energy." (2023).
• "Pakistan's Food Security Concerns and the Impact of Water Scarcity." (2023).
• Unnamed sources from the Pakistani government.