ABSTRACT

Pakistan's economy is dependent on water, and improper water resource management contributes to the nation's volatile socioeconomic situation. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources predicts that the country may face absolute water scarcity as soon as 2025. Water security also has direct ramifications for Pakistan's economic well-being, and its weak economy limits its ability to address water concerns. Ninety percent of the water used for agriculture in Pakistan is supported by the river and its tributaries, and agriculture employs around half of the country's workforce. However, the agriculture sector is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including increased temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and more severe flooding. Water stress contributes to political instability and economic struggles, which decrease Pakistan's ability to deal with terrorist threats and other forms of militancy. The continued presence of terrorist groups within Pakistan makes these feedback loops even more complicated.