The World Bank has issued a warning to Pakistan about a looming major water crisis within the next few years if water wastage in the agricultural sector continues unchecked. According to the Global Water Monitoring Report, Pakistan ranks among the seven countries with the highest agricultural water losses — alongside Algeria, Cambodia, Mexico, Thailand, Tunisia, and Romania.
The report states that 90% of Pakistan’s available water is allocated to agriculture, but 60% is wasted due to inefficiencies. Pakistan’s irrigation network — comprising three major reservoirs, 19 barrages, 12 link canals, 45 main canals, and over 107,000 watercourses — is at risk of severe strain. The report warns that without immediate action, the world could face a global freshwater crisis within 15 years.
