Daily Times

Sir: Pakistan has faced numerous threats since it was first founded. These include bigger, hostile neighbours; extremism and terrorism; as well as economic instability and political upheaval. However, soon we may face the greatest danger we have ever faced, chronic water scarcity.

A rapidly rising population and unchecked urbanisation, combined with pollution of our water resources could soon leave us without any water. This spells disaster for any country, but it’s even more serious for an agricultural country with a population of 200 million people.

Some state institutions have responded to this threat in a strange manner, such as by trying to collect charity to fund the construction of more dams. However, dams alone will not save us. Numerous issues will need to be addressed. For example, Pakistan has one of the most inefficient irrigation systems in the world. Our groundwater is becoming increasingly polluted because much of the population does not have access to safe toilets. Agriculturally, we remain dependent on various water intensive crops and farming methods.

Unless all these issues are addressed there is nothing that can save Pakistan from chronic water scarcity. Our leaders must open their minds and think of long term solutions to the problem so that future generations can inherit a country that can provide them with basic resources.

SHAYAN FAROOQ

Lahore

Published in Daily Times, July 16^th 2018.