Pakistan to face severe water scarcity and droughts by 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will be facing severe water scarcity, potential droughts and desertification by 2025.

“There is a severe water crisis emerging in Balochistan and Sindh, while our glaciers are melting rapidly due to global warming,” said Chairperson of the Standing Committees on Climate Change Sherry Rehman.

Ms Rehman made the statement inviting the Ministry of Water Resources and other relevant institutions to discuss the water scarcity and the available solutions.

The meeting was attended by Senators Bushra Anjum, Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, and Naseem Ehsan, while Senators Taj Haider, Quratulain Marri, and Zarqa Taimur participated virtually.

Ms Rehman announced plans to summon the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in the next meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming monsoon season.

“There is a forecast for unusual monsoon rains in the country. We will receive briefings from the NDMA and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on forecasts and government measures to manage the rains and potential damages,” she said.

Senator Rehman emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing climate change, stating the government alone cannot tackle crises like climate change and individuals must play their part in protecting the environment.

She highlighted the committee’s focus on renewable energy, noting its significant contribution to global emissions.

“Pakistan played a leading role in creating the Loss and Damage Fund for climate-vulnerable countries. We must continue to advocate for the implementation of the promises made,” Rehman added.

She said due to constitutional constraints, the committee’s decisions are not binding on the provinces. She added she will continue to raise climate-related issues of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) in every committee meeting.

Addressing the water crisis, Sherry Rehman said Pakistan faces water scarcity and potential droughts and desertification by 2025.

She said there is a severe water crisis emerging in Balochistan and Sindh while our glaciers are melting rapidly due to global warming.

She invited the Ministry of Water Resources and other relevant institutions to discuss the water scarcity and the available solutions.

She said plastic pollution is another serious climate concern and she had banned the dumping of plastic waste in Pakistan’s maritime boundaries. She said the committee will seriously address the issue of plastic pollution and must encourage and ensure a plastic-free world for future generations.