Pakistan is projected to rank 23rd globally for severe water shortages, with 43 percent of the urban population already lacking access to water.
ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has issued a warning about Pakistan’s escalating urban challenges, highlighting that the country’s rapidly growing population could lead to severe water shortages by 2040.
According to an ADB report, urban population growth in Pakistan is alarmingly high at 3.65 percent, double the rate of rural areas.
The report forecasts that Pakistan’s population might exceed 400 million by 2050, worsening the scarcity of basic amenities in cities.
This rapid growth is contributing to declining living standards, illegal construction, and building code violations, all of which are adversely affecting urban environments.
Moreover, Reports also reflect on Pakistan’s severe economic issues from last year, including diminishing foreign exchange reserves and unprecedented inflation.
In 2018, Karachi alone contributed 15 percent to the GDP and 55 percent to national taxes, while the top 10 cities together accounted for 95 percent of federal taxes.
The interpretation criticizes the provincial and local governments for failing to enhance services and management since the 18th Amendment. It also notes the significant economic losses and fatalities caused by the 2010 and 2022 floods, totaling $40 billion and 3,700 lives.
The 2015 Karachi heatwave resulted in 1,200 deaths, and Pakistan is identified as one of the most economically affected countries by climate change in the region.
The ADB underscores the need for 350,000 new homes annually to keep pace with population growth, with a total requirement of 10 million homes.
Pakistan is projected to rank 23rd globally for severe water shortages, with 43 percent of the urban population already lacking access to water.
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Furthermore, 18 percent of urban residents do not have basic sanitation, and half of the water demand in urban areas remains unmet. Karachi suffers significant water loss, with 35 to 58 percent of drinking water wasted due to theft and leakage.
In addition, it highlights problems in all provinces, including inadequate water storage. It calls for new urbanization plans for the next 10, 20, and 30 years and encourages public-private partnerships to enhance municipal services. Provincial governments are urged to implement and enforce local government acts.
The ADB notes that population growth accelerated after the 2017 census, with Punjab ranking third globally in population density at an average of 621 people per square kilometer.
