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СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASAEvery monsoon brings the same question: Are we prepared? The devastating floods of recent years destroyed lives, crops, livestock, infrastructure and livelihoods across Pakistan. Billions of dollars were lost, yet much of the floodwater ultimately flowed into the Arabian Sea or evaporated to the atmosphere while the country moved closer to water scarcity.
Pakistan is confronting a paradox. During one part of the year, excessive water destroys communities. During another, insufficient water threatens food security, industry and urban life. Climate change is making both extremes more frequent and more severe. This demands a shift from crisis management to comprehensive water management.
The discussion should therefore extend beyond emergency flood relief to a long-term National Water Security Strategy involving the federation, provinces, local governments, academia, industry and farming communities.
Are we better prepared today?
Some progress has undoubtedly been made. Flood forecasting has improved, disaster management institutions have gained experience. Important role of non-governmental organisation (NGO)’s in emergency situations needs recognition as well. The early warning systems have expanded in many vulnerable areas. Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure has also been undertaken.
However, the fundamental weaknesses remain largely unchanged.
Floodplains continue to be encroached upon. River channels remain obstructed. Urban drainage systems are inadequate. Watersheds continue to degrade because of deforestation. Water storage capacity remains among the lowest in the region despite repeated warnings by experts.
Pakistan faces a dual crisis: intensifying floods in the coming decades followed by prolonged droughts, driven by climate change and poor upstream water management. Scientific studies emphasise that effective flood control must begin upstream in the Indus Basin, not just downstream.
The scenario reminds me of the story of Prophet Yousuf (AS), who advised the rulers of Egypt to store grain during seven years of abundance, knowing that seven years of drought would follow. Unlike them, we do not have the luxury of divine revelation; instead, we must rely on the guidance of science.
Large dams and reservoirs remain indispensable for flood moderation, irrigation and drought resilience. Pakistan should expedite construction of all technically and environmentally viable reservoirs that have already been identified through decades of engineering studies.
Alongside mega projects, hundreds of medium and small reservoirs should be constructed throughout the country. Mountain torrents in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provide ideal locations for check dams and recharge structures to delay floodwaters, reduce downstream damage and replenish groundwater.
Similarly, numerous off-channel reservoirs alongside rivers and seasonal streams can temporarily store floodwater before gradually releasing or recharging groundwater through it. Protecting the Indus Delta deserves equal priority. Adequate environmental flows are essential to prevent seawater intrusion, preserve mangrove forests, sustain fisheries and protect coastal livelihoods. Freshwater reaching the delta is not “wasted water”; it is an ecological necessity.
Cities need different strategies. Urban flooding has become almost an annual event because cities have expanded without respecting natural drainage patterns. Concrete has replaced open land. Natural streams have been encroached upon. Rainwater that once infiltrated into the ground now rushes across as surface flow, overwhelming drainage systems.
Each major city requires a tailored solution. Karachi needs comprehensive storm-water drainage, restoration of natural nullahs, protection of waterways from encroachments, rainwater harvesting, and upstream retention basins to reduce flash flooding. Quetta should prioritise a network of check dams in surrounding catchments, restoring groundwater recharge that historically sustained the traditional Karez system while reducing flash floods. Lahore faces serious groundwater depletion alongside deteriorating water quality. Artificial recharge zones, wastewater treatment, industrial pollution control and protection of the Ravi River must become priorities.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi require integrated groundwater management, including scientific monitoring of aquifers, recharge parks, protection of natural streams and rainwater harvesting in new developments. Other rapidly growing cities such as Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad and Sukkur require similar city-specific water master plans instead of relying solely on drainage improvements.
Agriculture must become water efficient. Agriculture consumes nearly all of Pakistan’s available freshwater, yet irrigation efficiency remains low. Future water security depends on changing agricultural practices. Crop selection should reflect regional water availability. Water-intensive crops such as sugarcane and rice should be cultivated only where hydrological conditions permit, while less water-demanding crops, including cotton and oilseeds where appropriate, should receive greater encouragement.
Modern irrigation methods, including drip irrigation, sprinkler systems and precision agriculture, should be promoted through subsidies and farmer education. Canal operations should increasingly rely on scientific water accounting supported by digital monitoring systems.
Recharge is needed to avoid aquifers’ collapse, losing its porosity and ability to store water under hydrostatic pressure. Groundwater has become Pakistan’s invisible reservoir, but excessive extraction threatens its long-term sustainability. Scientific studies should identify suitable recharge zones throughout the country. Rainwater harvesting should become mandatory for major buildings, industries and housing societies.
Artificial recharge basins, recharge wells and infiltration parks should become standard components of urban planning. Abstraction from shallow aquifers must also be regulated. Excessive depletion can permanently reduce aquifer storage capacity through compaction, making future recharge far less effective. Pakistan should simultaneously undertake scientific exploration of deeper aquifers where hydrogeological conditions permit sustainable development.
Innovative solutions are worth exploring. Pakistan possesses hundreds of abandoned oil and gas wells. Where geological studies confirm the presence of suitable aquifers and complete environmental safety, selected abandoned wells could potentially be repurposed for controlled groundwater recharge, after appropriate engineering modifications. Such projects should first be demonstrated through pilot programmes.
Likewise, canal systems present another opportunity. Installing solar panels above canals and selected reservoirs could simultaneously generate renewable electricity while reducing evaporation losses—an approach already adopted in several countries. In arid regions such as Balochistan, where the traditional Karez system used to naturally minimise evaporation by carrying water underground, similar thinking should inspire modern engineering.
Canals also require differentiated design. Some patches may require lining to minimise seepage losses, while others could be used to retain water in permeable beds and banks where groundwater recharge is desirable. Blanket lining everywhere is neither technically nor economically optimal.
Quantity alone is no longer the only challenge. Water quality is becoming an equal threat. Untreated municipal sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff are degrading rivers, canals and groundwater across Pakistan. Improved wastewater treatment, stricter pollution enforcement, continuous monitoring and reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture and industry must become national priorities.
Environment cannot be ignored. Floods are becoming more destructive because natural ecosystems that once moderated them continue to disappear. Deforestation accelerates runoff. Wetlands have been drained. River corridors have been narrowed. Urban green spaces have disappeared beneath concrete. Climate change further intensifies extreme rainfall events. Protecting forests, restoring wetlands, preserving natural floodplains and increasing urban green cover should therefore be viewed as investments in flood protection rather than merely environmental objectives.
The Indus Waters Treaty remains central to discussion on Pakistan’s water future. It cannot be ignored. The treaty remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s long-term water security. Any unilateral action affecting treaty obligations should continue to be challenged through all available legal, diplomatic and technical mechanisms. Pakistan’s position should remain firmly grounded in international law, the treaty provisions themselves and established dispute-resolution mechanisms. Building broad international support for treaty compliance will strengthen Pakistan’s case while preserving confidence in international agreements.
The canal debate requires science not politics. The proposed new canal system for southern Punjab has generated considerable controversy. Supporters argue that it could improve agricultural productivity, while critics fear reduced downstream flows and inequitable water distribution. The issue should not be approached as a political contest. Instead, transparent hydrological modelling, independent technical review and modern real-time monitoring of river flows, canal withdrawals and reservoir operations should be introduced. Such systems would improve trust among provinces by making water allocations transparent.
It is equally important to recognise that not every district of southern Punjab would benefit equally. Areas such as Bahawalnagar have different hydrological realities than regions closer to the proposed command areas. Provincial planning must therefore be based on local conditions rather than broad administrative boundaries.
Many practical interventions lie within provincial jurisdiction. Therefore, Provinces must lead implementation. Provincial governments should prepare integrated water resilience plans covering watershed management, groundwater regulation, urban drainage, recharge projects, water quality monitoring and efficient irrigation. The federal government should support these efforts through performance-based incentives, technical assistance and financing linked to measurable outcomes.
It is time for a national mission. Pakistan’s water challenge cannot be solved through isolated engineering projects or emergency relief operations. It requires a national mission integrating flood control, water storage, groundwater management, environmental restoration, agricultural reform, urban planning and international water diplomacy.
Every flood should leave behind more stored water than destruction. Every city should harvest rainfall rather than merely draining it. Every province should treat groundwater as a strategic national asset.
Pakistan has both the engineering expertise and the institutional capacity to achieve this transformation. What is required now is coordinated political commitment before the next major flood reminds us once again of the cost of inaction.
The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners.
Every monsoon brings the same question: Are we prepared? The devastating floods of recent years destroyed lives, crops, livestock, infrastructure and livelihoods across Pakistan. Billions of dollars were lost, yet much of the floodwater ultimately flowed into the Arabian Sea or evaporated to the atmosphere while the country moved closer to water scarcity.
Pakistan is confronting a paradox. During one part of the year, excessive water destroys communities. During another, insufficient water threatens food security, industry and urban life. Climate change is making both extremes more frequent and more severe. This demands a shift from crisis management to comprehensive water management.
The discussion should therefore extend beyond emergency flood relief to a long-term National Water Security Strategy involving the federation, provinces, local governments, academia, industry and farming communities.
Are we better prepared today?
Some progress has undoubtedly been made. Flood forecasting has improved, disaster management institutions have gained experience. Important role of non-governmental organisation (NGO)’s in emergency situations needs recognition as well. The early warning systems have expanded in many vulnerable areas. Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure has also been undertaken.
However, the fundamental weaknesses remain largely unchanged.
Floodplains continue to be encroached upon. River channels remain obstructed. Urban drainage systems are inadequate. Watersheds continue to degrade because of deforestation. Water storage capacity remains among the lowest in the region despite repeated warnings by experts.
Pakistan faces a dual crisis: intensifying floods in the coming decades followed by prolonged droughts, driven by climate change and poor upstream water management. Scientific studies emphasise that effective flood control must begin upstream in the Indus Basin, not just downstream.
The scenario reminds me of the story of Prophet Yousuf (AS), who advised the rulers of Egypt to store grain during seven years of abundance, knowing that seven years of drought would follow. Unlike them, we do not have the luxury of divine revelation; instead, we must rely on the guidance of science.
Large dams and reservoirs remain indispensable for flood moderation, irrigation and drought resilience. Pakistan should expedite construction of all technically and environmentally viable reservoirs that have already been identified through decades of engineering studies.
Alongside mega projects, hundreds of medium and small reservoirs should be constructed throughout the country. Mountain torrents in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provide ideal locations for check dams and recharge structures to delay floodwaters, reduce downstream damage and replenish groundwater.
Similarly, numerous off-channel reservoirs alongside rivers and seasonal streams can temporarily store floodwater before gradually releasing or recharging groundwater through it. Protecting the Indus Delta deserves equal priority. Adequate environmental flows are essential to prevent seawater intrusion, preserve mangrove forests, sustain fisheries and protect coastal livelihoods. Freshwater reaching the delta is not “wasted water”; it is an ecological necessity.
Cities need different strategies. Urban flooding has become almost an annual event because cities have expanded without respecting natural drainage patterns. Concrete has replaced open land. Natural streams have been encroached upon. Rainwater that once infiltrated into the ground now rushes across as surface flow, overwhelming drainage systems.
Each major city requires a tailored solution. Karachi needs comprehensive storm-water drainage, restoration of natural nullahs, protection of waterways from encroachments, rainwater harvesting, and upstream retention basins to reduce flash flooding. Quetta should prioritise a network of check dams in surrounding catchments, restoring groundwater recharge that historically sustained the traditional Karez system while reducing flash floods. Lahore faces serious groundwater depletion alongside deteriorating water quality. Artificial recharge zones, wastewater treatment, industrial pollution control and protection of the Ravi River must become priorities.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi require integrated groundwater management, including scientific monitoring of aquifers, recharge parks, protection of natural streams and rainwater harvesting in new developments. Other rapidly growing cities such as Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad and Sukkur require similar city-specific water master plans instead of relying solely on drainage improvements.
Agriculture must become water efficient. Agriculture consumes nearly all of Pakistan’s available freshwater, yet irrigation efficiency remains low. Future water security depends on changing agricultural practices. Crop selection should reflect regional water availability. Water-intensive crops such as sugarcane and rice should be cultivated only where hydrological conditions permit, while less water-demanding crops, including cotton and oilseeds where appropriate, should receive greater encouragement.
Modern irrigation methods, including drip irrigation, sprinkler systems and precision agriculture, should be promoted through subsidies and farmer education. Canal operations should increasingly rely on scientific water accounting supported by digital monitoring systems.
Recharge is needed to avoid aquifers’ collapse, losing its porosity and ability to store water under hydrostatic pressure. Groundwater has become Pakistan’s invisible reservoir, but excessive extraction threatens its long-term sustainability. Scientific studies should identify suitable recharge zones throughout the country. Rainwater harvesting should become mandatory for major buildings, industries and housing societies.
Artificial recharge basins, recharge wells and infiltration parks should become standard components of urban planning. Abstraction from shallow aquifers must also be regulated. Excessive depletion can permanently reduce aquifer storage capacity through compaction, making future recharge far less effective. Pakistan should simultaneously undertake scientific exploration of deeper aquifers where hydrogeological conditions permit sustainable development.
Innovative solutions are worth exploring. Pakistan possesses hundreds of abandoned oil and gas wells. Where geological studies confirm the presence of suitable aquifers and complete environmental safety, selected abandoned wells could potentially be repurposed for controlled groundwater recharge, after appropriate engineering modifications. Such projects should first be demonstrated through pilot programmes.
Likewise, canal systems present another opportunity. Installing solar panels above canals and selected reservoirs could simultaneously generate renewable electricity while reducing evaporation losses—an approach already adopted in several countries. In arid regions such as Balochistan, where the traditional Karez system used to naturally minimise evaporation by carrying water underground, similar thinking should inspire modern engineering.
Canals also require differentiated design. Some patches may require lining to minimise seepage losses, while others could be used to retain water in permeable beds and banks where groundwater recharge is desirable. Blanket lining everywhere is neither technically nor economically optimal.
Quantity alone is no longer the only challenge. Water quality is becoming an equal threat. Untreated municipal sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff are degrading rivers, canals and groundwater across Pakistan. Improved wastewater treatment, stricter pollution enforcement, continuous monitoring and reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture and industry must become national priorities.
Environment cannot be ignored. Floods are becoming more destructive because natural ecosystems that once moderated them continue to disappear. Deforestation accelerates runoff. Wetlands have been drained. River corridors have been narrowed. Urban green spaces have disappeared beneath concrete. Climate change further intensifies extreme rainfall events. Protecting forests, restoring wetlands, preserving natural floodplains and increasing urban green cover should therefore be viewed as investments in flood protection rather than merely environmental objectives.
The Indus Waters Treaty remains central to discussion on Pakistan’s water future. It cannot be ignored. The treaty remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s long-term water security. Any unilateral action affecting treaty obligations should continue to be challenged through all available legal, diplomatic and technical mechanisms. Pakistan’s position should remain firmly grounded in international law, the treaty provisions themselves and established dispute-resolution mechanisms. Building broad international support for treaty compliance will strengthen Pakistan’s case while preserving confidence in international agreements.
The canal debate requires science not politics. The proposed new canal system for southern Punjab has generated considerable controversy. Supporters argue that it could improve agricultural productivity, while critics fear reduced downstream flows and inequitable water distribution. The issue should not be approached as a political contest. Instead, transparent hydrological modelling, independent technical review and modern real-time monitoring of river flows, canal withdrawals and reservoir operations should be introduced. Such systems would improve trust among provinces by making water allocations transparent.
It is equally important to recognise that not every district of southern Punjab would benefit equally. Areas such as Bahawalnagar have different hydrological realities than regions closer to the proposed command areas. Provincial planning must therefore be based on local conditions rather than broad administrative boundaries.
Many practical interventions lie within provincial jurisdiction. Therefore, Provinces must lead implementation. Provincial governments should prepare integrated water resilience plans covering watershed management, groundwater regulation, urban drainage, recharge projects, water quality monitoring and efficient irrigation. The federal government should support these efforts through performance-based incentives, technical assistance and financing linked to measurable outcomes.
It is time for a national mission. Pakistan’s water challenge cannot be solved through isolated engineering projects or emergency relief operations. It requires a national mission integrating flood control, water storage, groundwater management, environmental restoration, agricultural reform, urban planning and international water diplomacy.
Every flood should leave behind more stored water than destruction. Every city should harvest rainfall rather than merely draining it. Every province should treat groundwater as a strategic national asset.
Pakistan has both the engineering expertise and the institutional capacity to achieve this transformation. What is required now is coordinated political commitment before the next major flood reminds us once again of the cost of inaction.
The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners.
| # | Наименование новости | Тональность | Информативность | Дата публикации |
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