What the Report Says
Pakistan is on the brink of “water bankruptcy”, meaning its water resources are being used faster than they can be replenished.
This situation has been highlighted in the Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post-Crisis Era report.
The report was published by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) in January 2026 and cited by analysts in Pakistan’s media.
Why Pakistan Is at Risk
Groundwater levels are falling rapidly, limiting water available for drinking, farming, and industry.
Climate change, inefficient water use, and over-dependence on rivers like the Indus are worsening scarcity.
Provinces such as Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are competing over limited water supplies, creating disputes and tensions
Name and Publisher of the Report
Report Name: Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post-Crisis Era
Published by: United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) in January 2026
What “Water Bankruptcy” Means
It refers to a state where water is used faster than it can be naturally replenished, leaving less available for future use.
This can lead to permanent depletion of aquifers, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, reducing water security
Countries Facing Water Bankruptcy
According to the UNU-INWEH global report, many regions around the world are experiencing similar conditions, including:
Pakistan – rapidly depleting groundwater and river stress.
Afghanistan – severe drought conditions affecting agriculture and water supplies.
Many parts of Asia and Africa where water systems are over-drawn, with nearly 75 % of the global population living in water-insecure or critically water-insecure countries.
Way Forward:
Improve water management with better irrigation and storage.
Conserve groundwater and protect rivers and wetlands.
Grow less water-intensive crops and modernise agriculture.
Resolve disputes over water fairly between regions.
Raise awareness about saving water in everyday life.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
