PAKISTAN’S burgeoning population and poor planning have together led to the depletion of country’s resources, particularly water. Water scarcity is portrayed as a trigger for cross-border conflict.

According to the National Action Plan 2019-20, the per capita availability of water in the country has decreased over the last seven decades to an alarming level of 935 cubic metres from 5,260 cubic metres. If the government fails to formulate an effective conservation strategy now, the per capita availability would decrease to 860 cubic metres by 2025 and even down to 500 cubic metres by 2040.

The report shows that climate change is also causing extreme rainfall in some areas where there is no capacity of water storage for later use.

Now, Pakistan has only 30-day water storage in its dams. Apart from this, 49 per cent losses are due to leakage, seepage, theft, evaporation, agriculture and industries.

As pointed out in a recent World Bank report, only four crops — rice, wheat, sugarcane and cotton — consume 80pc water, and contribute only 5pc to GDP. It shows that the agriculture sector offers one of the poorest ‘crop per drop’ ratios.

The government needs to wake up and realise the gravity of this issue before the country runs completely dry.

It must take appropriate steps, such as, building multipurpose dams, strengthening existing reservoirs, formulation of trustworthy and clear cut policies that have population-based distribution of water, and, last but not least, stop water losses from seepage.

Abid Ali Noonari
Kandhkot

ACCOMMODATING MILITANCY: This is with reference to the report ‘Govt, TTP agree on ceasefire as talks continue’ (Nov 9). A deal with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) may be a dangerous one with far-reaching consequences on many a front. India and other hostile countries are likely to exploit the development to their own advantage. This deal will surely encourage other groups to force their way to the negotiation table, and may ultimately do more damage than good.

Faraz Ahmed
Islamabad

FEELING THE PRESSURE: The recent de-proscription of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) seems to be a decision taken under pressure, and is bound to have serious long-term ramifications at domestic and international levels. The decision is nothing short of what in political parlance is known as an NRO. Any argument to justify it will only further expose the vulnerabilities of a weak administration.

Haroon S. Pasha
Islamabad

HEALTH CARD: The government’s effort to provide universal healthcare to its citizens is a step in the right direction. However, retired government servants, especially those who retired several years ago, need special medical care in hospitals. Unfortunately, despite being entitled to medical facilities, they either do not get due medical treatment or have to go through cumbersome processes. The government needs to sort things out in this critical regard.

Mirza Talib Hassan
Islamabad

DEPRIVED VILLAGE: The Malheerani Solangi village located in Khairpur Mirs comprises fertile lands owned by political figures who are seen only during election days to solicit votes against their tall claims which never materialise. The village remains deprived of basic facilities as there is no local hospital, no gas supply and no drainage system. The infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition and electricity loadshedding is rampant. Something must be done forthwith.

Anwar Uddin
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2021