By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE– Khadim Hussain, a former Executive Committee (EC) Member of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and a renowned businessman, has emphasized the urgent need for the construction of Kalabagh Dam and the completion of the Cholistan Canal to address Pakistan’s worsening water crisis.
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Pakistan is losing 35 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually due to a lack of proper storage facilities, leaving the country with a dangerously low water storage capacity of just 30 days, compared to the global standard of 120 days. This crisis has already started impacting agriculture, industry, and energy production, and if immediate action is not taken, the situation will become irreversible.
Khadim Hussain stressed that Kalabagh Dam is vital for Pakistan’s survival and must not be delayed any further. If completed, the dam will store over 6.1 MAF of water and generate 3,600 megawatts of electricity, significantly reducing the country’s dependence on costly thermal power. It will also help control floods, ensure water availability for irrigation, and reduce power shortages, benefiting the entire economy. He pointed out that opposition to the project is politically motivated and based on misinformation, as Kalabagh Dam would benefit all provinces, ensuring water security for future generations.
The water crisis is already taking a toll on Pakistan’s agricultural sector, with farmers struggling to irrigate their fields, leading to reduced crop production. This, in turn, is causing food shortages and rising prices. Industrial sectors such as textiles and food processing are also suffering, as water is a critical resource for their operations. If the crisis continues, business closures, declining exports, and rising unemployment will follow, further weakening the country’s economy.
Khadim Hussain also highlighted the severe drought in Cholistan, where thousands of people and livestock are at risk due to extreme water shortages. He urged the government to complete the Cholistan Canal project without delay to provide a sustainable water supply to the region. If ignored, desertification will spread, and entire communities will be displaced.
For long-term water conservation, he advocated for modern water management techniques, including drip irrigation, canal lining, and wastewater treatment. He called on the government to launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about water conservation and to strengthen diplomatic efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan can no longer afford delays in water infrastructure projects. The business community, farmers, and the general public are all facing severe consequences due to the water crisis. If projects like Kalabagh Dam and the Cholistan Canal are not completed soon, the economic and agricultural damage will be irreversible. He urged the government to take immediate and decisive action to secure Pakistan’s water future.
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