The problems pertaining to environment have continuously been swelling in Pakistan. There is a catalog of never-ending issues which are spreading like epidemic, effecting the development and economy of the country. Failure of economic policies and lack of planning has brought Pakistan to this brink of environmental collapse. Countries all over the world are facing one or the other problem related to environment, but unfortunately, Pakistan has become a hub all these. Water scarcity, power and electricity crisis, deforestation, population growth, air and water pollution, solid waste management are some the few prominent environmental challenges faced by Pakistan. All the aspects of life in the country including private, industrial, agricultural and economical are being antagonistically distressed by these deep-rooted hitches. Pakistani’s wonder if there is any reason why should they live in Pakistan? Life is drawing more and more towards misery as the citizens remain deprived of the fundamentals of life. On an annual basis, this environmental deprivation is costing $1.8 billion to Pakistan; labor efficiency and output being marred and more being spent on healthcare. Although the list is long, we shall further discuss the top three environmental issues encroach on the country.
Water Scarcity
Water scarcity is one of the most alarming risks Pakistani’s are encountering. The next two decades are extremely threatening in this regard. According to a World Bank’s recent report, Pakistan is enlisted among the top few countries that are to face hideous consequences pertaining to water dearth in the years to come. It is faced with a terrible dilemma as all the available water is being exhausted, and all at the same time, 30 percent more water is required in the next two decades owing to the increased agricultural and industrial necessity. The government states that per capita availability of water has reduced from 5,260-cubic metres in the year 1951 to 1,100-cubic metres in 2008. New water reservoirs are required urgently if the country wants to save itself from water famine. Not only this, the availability of drinking water is also an issue. Only 55 percent of the total population of Pakistan has access to drinking water.
Power Crisis
This is yet another unremitting issue which has engulfed the entire country. The power crisis has made living conditions miserable. Businesses, industries and personal lives are all a prey to it. The scorching heat is adding fuel to the fire and yet his problem remains unresolved. Unpredictable and continues load shedding has frozen all the activities of life. The Water and Power Development Authority is left with no choice but to shed the load all the more; the timings have increased up to seven to eight hours daily. This is perhaps the only solution to tackle with the shortage of 3,000 megawatts on daily basis. The sale of generators and UPS devices are increasing, in fact, the increased demand has led to the shortage of supply. However shocking but true, even in this epoch of technological acme, 67% of our population is still without this fundamental necessity.
Pakistan need to take control of its environmental issues before it is too late. Proper planning, right measures and strategies to resolve these problems can save the country from this pathetic situation in the coming years. For this reason, a stable socio-political scenario needs to be established, which Pakistan has been struggling with for past many years.
