Institutions in Pakistan have historically raised alarms about crises only when the situation becomes difficult to reverse, yet proactive measures are seldom implemented until the damage is nearly irreversible. The recent declaration of a drought emergency by Rawalpindi’s Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) exemplifies this pattern. With minimal to no rainfall during the winter season in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, neither surface nor groundwater reserves have been replenished. These freshwater resources, already under immense stress from agricultural, commercial, and municipal demands, are depleting at a rate far exceeding their natural recharge over the past decades.
The impacts of climate change have made precipitation highly erratic—either occurring as sudden, heavy downpours or as prolonged dry spells. Rawalpindi requires 68 million gallons of water daily but receives only 51 million gallons from dams and tube wells. Groundwater extraction has been so excessive that the water table has plummeted from 100 feet in the 1990s to 700 feet today. Despite this alarming decline, decisive action, such as imposing fines for water wastage, was only introduced once the consequences of water scarcity became undeniable. This reactive approach underscores the urgent need for timely, science-based assessments of natural resources to inform effective policymaking and intervention strategies.
A key factor exacerbating the water crisis is poor governance, which has allowed unchecked urban expansion to occur at the expense of Rawalpindi’s ecological balance. Rapid, unplanned urbanisation has led to the destruction of vital blue (water) and green (vegetation) corridors, with vast land areas being converted into horizontal housing developments. The prevailing urban planning model largely disregards nature-based solutions that could help mitigate environmental challenges. While urban expansion is necessary to accommodate population growth and rural-to-urban migration, it must be approached in an environmentally sustainable manner.
It is not enough to merely produce policy documents for display at conferences; strict and effective implementation is essential
Water management, in particular, requires an integrated approach. For example, urban flooding has become a major issue in Rawalpindi due to climate change-induced shifts in precipitation patterns. The proliferation of impermeable surfaces exacerbates runoff, resulting in frequent and severe flooding. Implementing green infrastructure, such as green roofs, could significantly mitigate this problem. Encouraging residents to adopt green roofs through incentives would not only reduce surface runoff but also contribute to urban cooling, counteracting the heat island effect. Similarly, incorporating natural recharge depressions in public spaces and parks could facilitate groundwater absorption, reducing the strain on existing water resources.
Water conservation efforts must also extend beyond emergency responses. Currently, excessive water wastage remains a critical issue. The recent drought emergency has prompted Wasa to impose fines on individuals who misuse water, such as by washing vehicles irresponsibly or neglecting household pipeline leaks. While such measures should have been embedded within urban governance from the outset, their implementation—even belatedly—is a step in the right direction.
Fundamentally, Pakistan lacks a strong culture of natural resource conservation. Water, like other environmental assets, is often taken for granted until its scarcity is directly experienced. While full restoration of depleted water reserves may be unfeasible, sustained preventive measures and long-term conservation strategies must become an integral part of urban planning and governance. Conservation should not be an emergency response but a continuous effort to safeguard the city’s future.
It is not enough to merely produce policy documents for display at conferences; strict and effective implementation is essential. Despite being home to the vast freshwater reserves of the Hindu Kush Himalaya range, Pakistan remains heavily reliant on foreign funding to support water conservation initiatives. The abrupt halt of USAID funding under President Donald Trump highlighted the volatility of such external support, leaving numerous communities vulnerable as critical environmental projects were disrupted.
The challenges are evident, and their impacts have never been more pronounced. Without decisive action, these issues will continue to threaten economic stability, public health, and environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen governance mechanisms by enforcing stringent water conservation policies, investing in advanced water management technologies, and promoting public awareness campaigns. Additionally, investing in domestic human capital—through capacity-building programs, research initiatives, and incentivising local innovation—will ensure that Pakistan develops self-sufficient and resilient water management strategies. Reducing dependence on external funding and fostering homegrown solutions will be key to mitigating future water crises and securing long-term sustainability.