Pakistan Leads Global Glacier Count with 6,668 Glaciers

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan is home to more than 6,668 glaciers — the highest concentration in the world — underscoring the country’s critical reliance on glacial and groundwater resources. Groundwater alone contributes an estimated 50 million acre-feet (MAF) annually to national water supplies.

The agriculture sector remains the largest consumer of water, accounting for 94 percent of total irrigation usage. Domestic consumption represents 5.2 percent of overall water use, while the industrial sector consumes just 0.8 percent.

In response to mounting water scarcity and climate change challenges, Pakistan approved its first-ever National Water Policy in 2018. The landmark framework was endorsed by the Council of Common Interest (CCI), marking a major step toward sustainable water governance.

To review progress in the water resources sector and assess implementation of the National Water Policy, a high-level meeting was held in Islamabad. Caretaker Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed chaired the session. Member Infrastructure, Chief Water Resources, and other key stakeholders attended the meeting, according to a ministry press release.

The meeting highlighted that the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS) ranks as the world’s fourth-largest irrigation network, facilitating the cultivation of approximately 20.2 million hectares of land through an annual flow of 138.4 MAF in Pakistan.

In the discussion, a comprehensive overview of IBIS was provided to the minister, encompassing the system’s water availability, the aggregate sectoral water demand, and the challenges arising from population growth and inefficient utilization of water resources.

Moreover, the meeting delved into the essential elements of the National Water Policy 2018, including its strategic priorities and the national targets designated for 2023. The policy’s strategic priorities encompass conservation and efficiency, storage, renewable energy, integrated water resources management (IWRM), and regulatory frameworks.

A focal point highlighted during the meeting was the emphasis on equity and participatory decision-making among the policy’s six planning principles. The principle mandates that water sector activities should involve participation and consultation at every level, with decisions reached through consensus.The Water resource section’s primary targets for 2023 are ambitious and necessary to address the country’s water scarcity challenges. Enhancing water use efficiency by 30 percent would be a significant achievement, as it would mean using less water to produce the same amount of food and goods.

Reducing conveyance loss by 33 percent would also be a major step forward, as it would conserve a significant amount of water that is currently lost to evaporation and seepage.

Augmenting surface water storage by 10 MAF would provide a much-needed buffer against droughts and would also allow for the expansion of irrigation. Implementing improved mechanisms for water accounting and data collection would be essential for tracking progress towards these goals and ensuring that water resources are being used sustainably.

These targets are all achievable, but they will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. The government will need to invest in water-efficient technologies and infrastructure, and farmers will need to adopt water-saving practices. The public will also need to play a role by conserving water at home and in their businesses.

With hard work and cooperation, Pakistan can achieve its water resource goals for 2023 and ensure a sustainable future for all of its citizens.

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