The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has warned that Pakistan’s economic water security is under threat due to declining per-capita water availability, insufficient storage capacity, and heavy reliance on groundwater resources for industrial activities.
In its latest report, “Asian Water Development Outlook 2025,” the ADB states that Pakistan’s water resources are under mounting pressure because of rapid population growth, climate change, and poor water management practices. Per-capita water availability has fallen sharply—from 3,500 cubic meters in 1972 to just 1,100 cubic meters in 2020.
Although funding for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has increased, Pakistan still faces a shortfall of $12.3 billion needed to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets 6.1 and 6.2. More than 80% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water, contributing to rising water-borne diseases. Excessive groundwater extraction in agriculture has caused water depletion and arsenic contamination.
Climate-related threats—including erratic monsoons, glacial melt, and flooding—are adding further pressure. The 2022 floods displaced millions of people. The Indus River system is at risk due to upstream controls and infrastructure challenges, posing a serious threat to this river system considered Pakistan’s lifeline.
The assessment of Pakistan’s water security reviews progress from 2013 to 2025 and governance performance from 2017 to 2023. The report notes that domestic water security in rural areas remains weak due to ineffective service models, limited monitoring, and persistent contamination, even though sanitation and hygiene outcomes have improved.
Urban water security has shown only marginal improvement, as rising demand, untreated wastewater, and urban flooding continue to strain infrastructure and service delivery. Environmental water security has slightly deteriorated due to rapid population growth, industrial activity, and untreated wastewater damaging aquatic ecosystems.
Water-related disaster security initially declined and later stagnated, with major floods and droughts— including glacial lake outburst floods—continuing to pose significant risks in Pakistan.
