By Yasmeen Farrukh
Imagine living in Pakistan, where water is available for only two hours a day. The scarcity is so severe that people must choose between cooking, washing clothes, or cleaning. During the peak summer months of June and July, even a single bucket of water for bathing may be unavailable, forcing people to go without a shower for days.
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In the worst-case scenario, people could be left without drinking water for a week, leading to fights over a single bottle. Pets suffer, trees wither, and daily life becomes unbearable.
This alarming reality is not a distant threat but an impending crisis at Pakistan’s doorstep. The escalating water shortage endangers the nation’s future, putting its very survival at risk.
Despite the gravity of the situation, many remain oblivious to the crisis. Water wastage continues unchecked—long showers, excessive use for household chores, and unnecessary consumption while washing vehicles all contribute to the problem. In response, the Lahore High Court recently imposed a fine of ten thousand rupees on individuals washing cars at home. However, this remains a limited judicial measure rather than a comprehensive solution to Pakistan’s growing water crisis.
Researchers and experts have long warned that Pakistan faces an alarming water shortage due to climate change, rapid population growth, and reckless water usage. The country ranks among the most vulnerable to drought because underground water levels are depleting at an alarming rate. If rainfall is insufficient for a few consecutive years, the risk of a complete water crisis will become a reality.
A relevant case study is Cape Town, South Africa, which faced an extreme water crisis between 2015 and 2018. The city came dangerously close to reaching “Day Zero,” when water would completely run out. However, through government action, public cooperation, and efficient water management, the crisis was averted. According to the latest news, Cape Town has been declared as the first drought-stricken city in the world because the underground water has been depleted.
Pakistan is now on the same path, but so far, government and non-governmental organizations have failed to address the issue effectively. Nevertheless, if action is taken immediately, It will be possible to avoid the impact of the severity of the crises to some extent. While there is a dire need for this action to be taken by government and non-government organizations, it is the need of the hour for individuals to contribute to it.
To prevent an impending disaster, the government must take proactive steps, including:
Constructing small reservoirs and maintaining major dams like Mangla and Tarbela to improve water storage capacity.
Implementing water-efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and sprinklers, reinforcing canal embankments to prevent wastage, and shifting to crops that require less water.
The construction sector has the highest water loss. Pakistan will have to adopt new methods in the construction of houses and buildings that use less water.
Raising water taxes to encourage responsible consumption.
Monitoring and regulating excessive groundwater extraction from tube wells.
Educating people about the water crisis and encouraging behavioral changes through government and media initiatives.
Water rationing is now required by the government. In urban areas this can be done through housing societies or local administration. While this can be made possible by introducing a strict monitoring system through elected representatives and government officials in the villages as well.
At an individual level, people must change their water consumption habits. Currently, the per capita water consumption in Pakistan exceeds 300 liters daily, much of which is wasted. Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant impact:
A car wash wastes approximately 50 liters of water, which can be significantly reduced by using a bucket instead of a hose.
Car wash centers should be closed immediately, where there is excessive waste of water.
Instead of leaving the shower running, using one or half a bucket of water can be sufficient.
Shaving requires only a quarter liter of water, yet many keep the tap running, wasting up to 3–4 liters. If just two million people out of Pakistan’s 250 million population waste this much water daily, it amounts to 8 million liters wasted on shaving alone.
It is not absolutely necessary to wash the house, clothes and garage every day, wash the garage once a week. Use less water when washing clothes
The solution lies in a collective efforts—government intervention, strict regulations, and individual responsibility. Saving water today is the only way to secure Pakistan’s future.
Stop water wastage. Save water.
