A report from the World Bank sees water scarcity as the biggest threat to several countries in the world, including Pakistan and India by 2050. The worst impact of the climate change could appear in the shape of water scarcity, putting various economies in negative zones, slashing six percent growth in the gross domestic product. Experts hold the rising volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere responsible for global warming and destabilizing the equilibrium of climate sensitivities. All the components affecting the climate change are relevant to Pakistan. The population in South Asia is rising in which Pakistan will surpass Indonesia and India will have more population than China in 30 years, increasing the potential water threats to the human life ever than before. The industrial demand for water will increase by 50 percent and agriculture sector will also need more water to grow food crops in a couple decades. Besides, urbanization will also increase the demand for potable water in cities and hydel power demand will increase by 85 percent.
Various world organizations are highlighting the potential threat to life and economy in Pakistan, but the policymakers are not ready to listen to any clarion call. According to a report by a national water research institute, the country is heading toward water scarcity as the water stress line crossed the water scarcity lineover a decade ago and the country is likely to face drought-like situation by 2025.India, which occupies most of the South Asia, has no regard for peace and stability in the region and has changed the course of rivers flowing through Pakistan, exposing life and economy of the country at high risk of drought. The Indus Water Treaty, which was signed in 1960, has lost its credibility and a corrupt Pakistani official has allegedly sold the water of river Ravi to India and is sitting now in Canada with his pockets full of Indian dollars.
As a matter of fact, water scarcity is a global issue and Pakistan cannot fight it all alone. On water dispute with India, the Pakistani government should have to persuade international powers and experts to resolve the issue. Pakistan and India should also devise policies to share rights and responsibilities on water issues as the two countries fall within the same geographical region. Pakistan is a developing country and scarcity of water will severely affect economic growth not only in Pakistan, but also in India. Both the countries should devise long-term policies to offset the effects of water crisis. The government should also launch a programme to create awareness among the people for efficient use of water in daily life.
