19. Water Management in Pakistan: Challenges and Way Forward

Water management is the biggest challenge of twenty-first century being confronted by Pakistan due to inadequate water management practices, insufficient storage capacity, irrigation inefficiency, population explosion, over-exploited ground water, climate-induced water stress, and India’s water hegemony as upper riparian. Continuing mismanagement of water resources is resulting in increasing water insecurity in the country. Pakistan is already a water stressed country which has not optimally managed its available water potential through adroit water conservation and storage strategies. The country would not be water secure until it implements stringent water management measures in addition to building dams. In this context, the study endeavours to answer the question as to why adequate water management practices are essential for the future water security of Pakistan as well as its socio-economic development. The study also highlights challenges faced by the water sector in the country and concludes with the doable policy recommendations.