Breathe Pakistan: Water minister, experts sound alarm on Pakistan’s ‘lifeline’ Indus basin ‘shrinking’

Pakistan’s water minister and climate experts have raised serious concerns over the shrinking Indus basin, warning that the country’s primary water lifeline is under increasing pressure due to climate change, mismanagement, and rising demand.

Speaking at the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference in Islamabad, officials stressed that urgent and practical action is needed to address the crisis. The Indus River system, which supports the majority of Pakistan’s population and agriculture, is facing long-term sustainability challenges.

Experts highlighted that downstream regions, particularly the Indus delta, are already witnessing alarming changes, including sea intrusion and loss of fertile land, putting entire communities at risk.

Officials also warned that without reforms, the river’s flow could decline significantly in the coming decades, threatening food security and economic stability. The situation is compounded by Pakistan’s limited water storage capacity—currently around 90 days, far below global standards—making the country highly vulnerable to shortages.

The Indus basin is critical to Pakistan’s economy, irrigating more than 80% of its agricultural land and sustaining millions of livelihoods. However, factors such as population growth, inefficient water use, and changing climate patterns are intensifying pressure on the system.

Analysts say the warnings reflect a growing consensus that Pakistan’s water crisis is no longer just an environmental issue but a national security concern, requiring coordinated policy action, investment in infrastructure, and regional cooperation.

Observers add that without immediate intervention, the shrinking of the Indus basin could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s future.