Water resources and their management in Pakistan: A critical analysis on challenges and implications
Shakeel Ahmad, Haifeng Jia, Anam Ashraf, Dingkun Yin, Zhenxia Chen, Changqing Xu, Chenyang Wang, Qimeng Jia, Xiaoyue Zhang, Muhammad Israr, Rasheed Ahmed
Abstract
Water is one of the essential natural resources for human beings. However, rising worldwide water demand and a significant decline in availability due to a lack of dynamic management and over-extraction have resulted in a complex scenario in terms of water availability. The current paper examines water resources and their management, methodologies, aims, and scope. Through the perspective of water resources and their management in Pakistan, 93 research publications were critically analyzed using a systematic review technique. The technique includes a systematic review of existing literature on water resource management, with particular emphasis on policy, governance, and environmental challenges. The study results demonstrate gaps and weaknesses in existing laws and regulations, alongside the threats to water resource management due to population expansion, urban development, climate change, and water contamination. To properly address these problems, the current study proposed a comprehensive framework for water resource management. This framework includes a national water policy that argues for sustainability and improves institutional strength. Infrastructure development, climate change adaptation, and examining social and environmental variables are all emphasized as important problems. Furthermore, it is essential to emphasize the importance of education and raising knowledge about water resource management among the general public and relevant stakeholders. By following these recommendations and the proposed OECD key principles on water governance, Pakistan may make significant progress towards achieving sustainable water management, aligning with its development objectives, and ensuring clean and safe water availability for future generations.