ABSTRACT
This chapter describes multilevel freshwater governance in Pakistan. Pakistan’s water sector has numerous challenges. Colonial legacies, outdated laws and insufficient management capacity of water related disasters have failed to address the challenges of droughts and floods. The National Water Policy of Pakistan addresses that mananging and developing water resources in Pakistan have severe challenges to resolve many associated issues. Supporting services of freshwater in Pakistan include sediment preservation, soil foundation, nutrient cycling, recycling and nutrients processing. The provisioning services of freshwater in Pakistan include production of fish, fruits, fibre, fuelwood, fodder, and water retention for household, industry, and agricultural purposes. Ecosystem degradation in the Indus Delta due to increased abstraction of water upstream may affect downstream communities living in the delta area. The cultural services of freshwater comprise of recreational opportunities, spiritual basis of inspiration; and learning prospects for both informal and formal education.
