The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are tackling an acute water scarcity following what has been recorded as the driest winter season in their history.
Despite continuous forecasts from the National Meteorological Authority predicting rainfall between December and February, only two instances of light drizzle were recorded on January 16 and January 31, making January 2025 the driest month ever for the twin cities.
As March will begins, signaling the official start of spring, concerns over water scarcity and its devastating impacts are growing. Glaciers in northern Pakistan, which provide essential water to the country, are melting rapidly due to the lack of snowfall and rising temperature, leaving authorities increasingly concerned about the long-term water supply. The accelerated melting of ice caps is not only depleting water reserves but also driving home the urgent need for climate action.
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The extended dry spell has brought on a range of difficulties for inhabitants in both cities. Above-average temperatures for 2024 combined with an exceptionally dry winter have resulted in health issues, including skin problems caused by the lack of moisture in the air. Moreover, as the spring allergy season which each year start from March to May begins, allergy sufferers in the region face an even harsher impact due to higher pollen levels, with experts predicting more severe reactions during this time.
The Capital Development Authority Water Management Wing, responsible for managing Islamabad’s water supply, revealed that out of the 32 water tankers it operates, only 12 are currently in service. This lack of resources is making it more difficult to meet the growing water demand in the twin cities.
In Rawalpindi, according to the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), daily water demand stands at 68 million gallons, but current resources can only supply 51 million gallons. Islamabad, the capital city, on the other hand, requires 85 million gallons of water daily but is only receiving 55 million gallons, leaving both cities vulnerable to a prolonged water shortage.
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The prolonged dry spell and a 40% reduction in rainfall yearly have worsened the water crisis, with Islamabad receiving an alarmingly low 0.3 mm of rain this winter.
According to climate experts, the water shortages are also indicative of larger climate change effects, as global temperatures continue to rise unprecedentedly, leading to drought conditions that could worsen in the near future. In fact, experts predict that if current trends persist, Pakistan could experience a food security disaster by 2025, with the water shortage threatening the nation’s agriculture and economic stability.
The World Bank observed that Pakistan’s per capita water availability has plummeted from 5,260 cubic meters in 1950 to 1,032 cubic meters by 2019, and the country’s water storage capacity is just 30 days, well below the global average of 220 days.
A large portion of Pakistan’s water resources, roughly 70%, is used for agriculture, which, coupled with outmoded irrigation systems and water-intensive crops, is further exacerbating the severe water crisis. The drop in underground water levels, exacerbated by the lack of precipitation and dry weather, has also led to a significant reduction in water availability from the country’s key water reservoirs like Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam, and Rawal Dam.
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Simly Dam, which supplies water to the capital city, is expected to run out of water by the middle of this year, placing additional pressure on water resources in the twin cities. Similarly, Rawalpindi’s water supply has been drastically reduced, with the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) implementing an emergency drought plan. This includes measures like a one-month ban on vehicle washing to save water.
In terms of air quality, the lack of rains has led to a spike in pollution levels, with Islamabad’s Air Quality Index reaching an alarming 204, and Rawalpindi’s AQI at around 170. Dust storms and poor air quality are not only affecting households health but also the environment, with the Potohar region’s wheat farms struggling due to the severe drought.
This winter has seen the worst dry spell in decades for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with both cities facing water shortages that could have long-term consequences for agricultural output and the country’s economy. The region’s infrastructure and water storage systems are also being greatly challenged.
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In a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works held on February 17, 2025, officials from the Capital Development Authority highlighted the critical nature of the situation. They revealed that capital’s main water sources—Rawal Dam, Khanpur Dam, and Simly Dam—are all seeing rapid depletion in reservoir. Simly Dam alone has enough water to last only until June. This critical information has triggered concern about the need for immediate intervention, with the upper house committee calling for an urgent national water conservation strategy to combat the crisis.
WASA Rawalpindi shared alarming figures revealing that Rawalpindi’s daily water demand of 70 million gallons is currently being met with only 51 million gallons, a shortfall that could escalate if the drought persists. A 5 million gallon decline in daily water supply has already been noted in the last few weeks.
Experts have warned that the 2024 cold season drought is a record-breaking dry spell for the Twin Cities. If the situation lingers, it will lead to more significant challenges for water availability and agricultural sustainability, raising concerns for both the economic stability and social peace of the country.
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The situation has raised calls for immediate government intervention to address climate change, water conservation, and the need for sustainable water resource management. In light of the ongoing water crisis, experts urge the authorities to build new dams, improve water distribution systems, and adopt modern irrigation techniques to safeguard the future of water resource security.
As Pakistan enters its spring season, the water emergency continues to be a pressing concern. The Senate committee’s warnings reflect a growing urgency to implement holistic solutions that not only address the immediate drought impacts but also prepare the nation for the long-term effects of climate change.
