More Than Half of Pakistan’s Population Still Lacks Safe Drinking Water: UN Reports
ISLAMABAD: More than half of Pakistan’s population still does not have access to safely managed drinking water, according to recent United Nations reports issued by UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP.
The reports highlight growing concerns over water scarcity, sanitation challenges, and limited infrastructure needed to meet the country’s rising demand for clean water.
Sharp Decline in Water Availability
According to the findings, Pakistan’s per capita water availability has dropped significantly over the past several decades.
Officials noted that annual freshwater availability has fallen from over 5,000 cubic meters per person at the time of independence to less than 1,000 cubic meters today, placing the country under increasing water stress.
Access and Sanitation Challenges
The reports estimate that around 55% of Pakistan’s population does not have access to safely managed drinking water services.
In rural areas, the situation is more severe, with over 58% of people lacking proper sanitation facilities, according to WHO and UNICEF data.
Growing Pressure on Resources
Experts warn that climate change, rapid population growth, and increasing water demand are placing additional pressure on already limited resources.
The reports emphasize that Pakistan will need significant investment in water supply and sanitation systems to address the worsening crisis and ensure safe access for all citizens.
