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Hydropolitics - Water Issues in Domestic and Regional Context of Pakistan
20-06-2025
Water Profile of Pakistan
Pakistan's main water source is the Indus River system, which includes the Indus River itself and 4 other tributaries. This accounts for 80% of Pakistan's surface water, which flows from upstream India. Per capita availability declined from 5,260 m^3 to less than 900 m^3. 93% of all water in Pakistan is used in agricultural, while the rest is split between residential and industrial usage.
Domestic Hydropolitics: Internal Water Issues
Water Scarcity and Population Growth
- Pakistan is facing a population crisis due to rapid population growth, which intensifies the pressure on an already limited water resource.
- Climate change effects, such as reduced rainfall and melting glaciers, make water more scarce.
Inter-Provincial Water Dispute
- The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is often criticized for biased allocation of water resources.
- Especially between Punjab and Sindh, disputes are frequent over diversions (e.g., the Chashma-Jehlum Link Canal).
- Lack of data collection and analysis undermines trust. IRSA is accused of data manipulation and a lack of transparency.
Inefficient Irrigation and Agricultural Practices
- 60% of irrigation water is wasted due to outdated flood irrigation techniques.
- Water-intensive cropping patterns (e.g., sugarcane in Sindh, rice in Punjab)
Lack of Water Storage Capacity
- Pakistan only possesses 30 days of water storage capacity compared to the global minimum, which is 120 days.
- Most of the newer dam projects are still under construction.
- Siltation in existing dams further reduces their water storage capability.
Weakness of Institutions
- Overlapping and conflicting roles between WAPDA, IRSA, and provincial irrigation departments.
- Weak enforcement of water pricing, conservation, and zoning regulations.
- Water policy (2018) exists but lacks comprehensive implementation.
Regional Hydropolitics: Transboundary Water Issues
Indus Waters Treaty (1960)
- This treaty was brokered by the World Bank between India and Pakistan in 1960.
- It gave exclusive rights to Pakistan over western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) and to India over eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).
- Although the treaty has survived wars between both nations, it has been increasingly strained.
India's Hydropower Projects and Diversion Plans
- India is constructing dams on the western rivers Jhelum and Chenab. Pakistan accuses India of violating the "no-storage" principle, a move that undermines the treaty's spirit
Geopolitical Dynamics and Water Weaponization
- In light of the Pulwama attack (2019), India's leaders' statement on reviewing the treaty has raised fears of water weaponization.
- Pakistani rivers rely on the Himalayan glaciers, which are controlled in part by China. Any China-India dispute could have side effects for Pakistan.
- Regional cooperation remains weak under the SAARC framework.
Resolving the Crisis
Strengthen Domestic Water Governance
- Empower Isra, add data telemetry, and enhance interprovincial cooperation on domestic water issues.
- Implement National Water Policy (2018) with provincial buy-in.
Invest in Smart Irrigation Techniques
- Changing Pakistan's irrigation methods from flood irrigation to drip irrigation could greatly enhance water conservation in the most water-consuming sector.
- Educating and training farmers on these new techniques is crucial for long-term sustainable agriculture and water conservation.
Build Storage and Conservation Infrastructure
- Expedite the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
- Build infrastructure for rainwater harvesting and floor reservoirs.
Diplomatic Engagement on Transboundary Issues
- Develope new water sharing agreements under changing climate realities.
- Utilize third party arbitrations for implementing new proposals such as throug World Bank.
Institutional and Legal Reforms
- Enforce water pricing and metering for high consumption sectors.
- Penalize pollution and illegal groundwater pumping.
"The wars of the next century will be about water." — Ismail Serageldin, former VP of World Bank
References
https://www.economist.com/international/2024/08/26/the-poisonous-global-politics-of-water https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2025/05/02/why-are-india-and-pakistan-fighting-over-water https://www.britannica.com/place/Indus-River/Irrigation#ref495860 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnJ4gjVZqao