Experts and government representatives have urged stronger institutional coordination and science-based planning to address Pakistan’s growing water-security challenges, with particular concern over the pressures facing Karachi.

The call came during a two-day capacity-building training organised by WWF-Pakistan in Karachi. The programme focused on water stewardship, governance, climate-informed planning and practical approaches to improving water security.

Karachi’s Water Problems Are Closely Connected

Participants highlighted that Karachi’s rising water demand cannot be treated as a single, isolated problem.

Groundwater depletion, pollution, ageing infrastructure, urban flooding and damage to natural ecosystems are all placing pressure on the city’s water system. Experts said these challenges require coordinated responses across government departments rather than separate actions by individual institutions.

Representatives from several public institutions attended the training, including the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Sindh Irrigation Department, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and provincial planning bodies.

Environmental Safeguards Must Be Built into Planning

Sindh Environmental Protection Agency Director General Waqar Hussain Phulpoto stressed that environmental safeguards should be integrated into water planning and development.

This means water projects should not focus only on supply and infrastructure. They should also consider pollution control, groundwater protection, ecosystem health and compliance with environmental standards.

Practical Solutions Are Already Being Tested

WWF-Pakistan shared examples of interventions being developed with public institutions and other partners.

These include:

  • Groundwater-recharge initiatives
  • Reuse of ablution water
  • Early-warning systems
  • Urban nature-based solutions
  • Improved water stewardship and governance

These approaches could help cities retain more rainwater, reduce pressure on underground reserves and respond more effectively to flooding and shortages.

Why This Matters

Karachi faces both water scarcity and flooding, sometimes within the same season. Rapid urban growth, paved surfaces, groundwater extraction, pollution and weak drainage systems have made the city increasingly vulnerable.

Karachi’s water crisis is not only about finding more water. It is also about managing existing supplies, protecting natural systems and improving coordination between institutions.

Experts said long-term water security will depend on better data, stronger environmental governance and cooperation between planning, municipal, irrigation, climate and regulatory authorities.