Pak Groundwater Crisis: 1/3rd Natural Water Lost To Sea

News Desk

Islamabad: Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources Chairman Shahadat Awan informed that Pakistan extracts 9 per cent of the world’s total groundwater, leading to a significant imbalance as the recharge rate is much lower than extraction.

Speaking at a committee meeting, Awan highlighted that the country is the third largest extractor of underground water globally and that one-third of Pakistan’s natural water is wasted in the sea.

During the briefing, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Director General Dr Hifza Rasheed informed that the water table depth in Punjab ranges from 5 to 140 feet. However, the Ministry of Water Resources Secretary challenged these figures, causing Awan to express frustration over the accuracy of the data provided.
Secretary attributed the inaccuracies to malfunctioning piezometers and misreporting by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).

Senator Muhammad Humayun Mohmand questioned who is responsible for the installation and maintenance of piezometers. It was clarified that this responsibility lies with the provincial irrigation departments. Secretary acknowledged that accurate data could not be provided until sufficient piezometers are installed.

Chairman pointed out that the briefing included data from reliable sources such as the PCRWR, Punjab Irrigation Department, and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. He criticised the ministry for presenting inaccurate data and directed an internal review with all relevant departments before the next meeting.