Pakistan Plans Rs5 Trillion Upgrade to Improve Water Efficiency

Pakistan is considering a Rs5 trillion investment programme to develop and modernise its water infrastructure. The proposed strategy aims to increase the country’s water-use efficiency from the current 40% to 70% by 2029.

The plan covers major interventions such as improving flood management, constructing additional water-storage facilities and modernising the canal network. Federal financing requirements for priority water infrastructure projects are estimated at approximately $18 billion over the next 10 years.

The proposed investment is intended to reduce water losses, improve delivery to agricultural areas and strengthen Pakistan’s ability to respond to climate-related risks. Growing demand from cities, farms and an expanding population has placed increasing pressure on the country’s existing water systems.

The planning report also warns about the rapid depletion of groundwater in Punjab. Groundwater levels across parts of the province are reportedly declining by between 0.5 and one metre annually, creating long-term risks for agriculture and access to drinking water.

One recommendation is to link subsidies for solar-powered agricultural tube wells with groundwater registration and compliance with sustainable extraction limits. The measure would seek to prevent unrestricted pumping caused by cheaper energy while encouraging farmers to manage groundwater more responsibly.

The proposed framework also calls for recycling at least 25% of urban wastewater. Treating and reusing this water could reduce pressure on freshwater reserves, limit environmental pollution and provide an additional supply for suitable agricultural, industrial or municipal purposes.

A large share of Pakistan’s agricultural land depends on canals and groundwater. Ageing waterways, leakage and inefficient irrigation practices, however, result in significant losses before water reaches crops. Canal rehabilitation, improved measurement systems and modern irrigation methods could reduce waste without undermining agricultural output.

Successful implementation would depend on sustained financing, transparent oversight and coordination between federal and provincial authorities. If effectively executed, the programme could improve agricultural productivity, food security, urban water supplies and Pakistan’s resilience against droughts and floods.

The next stage will involve identifying priority projects, establishing a workable financing structure and translating the proposed reforms into enforceable measures. Clear timelines and measurable performance targets will be essential if Pakistan is to achieve the planned 70% water-efficiency target by 2029.