In Pakistan, around 60% of agriculture, 70% of domestic use and 95% of industries depend on groundwater.
Groundwater acts as a buffer against climate change, providing a reliable reservoir during abundance and a vital source during droughts.
The Indus groundwater aquifer is the second most stressed aquifer in the world.
There are some cities in Pakistan, where groundwater abstraction has surpassed the natural recharge rate and water levels have fallen below 200 metres.
Groundwater Quality Across Pakistan
Source: Hifza, R., et al. (2021). Drinking Water Quality in Pakistan: Current Status and Challenges. PCRWR, Islamabad, p. 141.
Groundwater Depletion Rates in Pakistani Cities
Arshad, M. D., Iqbal, N., Ashraf, M. (2023). From Crisis to Sustainability: Managing Aquifer Recharge in Pakistan. Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Islamabad, pp 61
