Water scarcity as an issue of human security in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper examines the multidimensional drivers of water stress, situating the crisis within broader debates on environmental security and governance in the Global South. It argues that water scarcity is not merely a resource management issue but a complex, systemic challenge shaped by the intersection of climate change, rapid population growth, unsustainable agricultural practices, excessive groundwater extraction, unplanned urbanization, and persistent governance failures. These internal pressures are further compounded by inter-provincial disputes and transboundary tensions, which collectively exacerbate the country’s water insecurity. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on secondary sources, including policy reports, academic literature, and field-based studies, to critically assess the socio-economic, political, and environmental consequences of declining water availability. The findings reveal a sharp decline in per capita water resources, inequitable distribution systems, and deteriorating water quality, all of which significantly undermine food security, energy production, and rural livelihoods. The impacts are disproportionately borne by marginalized populations, particularly women and children, thereby intensifying existing social vulnerabilities. The paper contends that conventional, state-centric notions of security are insufficient to address such complex and interlinked challenges. It calls for a paradigm shift toward integrated water governance frameworks that incorporate climate-adaptive strategies, infrastructural investment, participatory policy processes, and enhanced regional cooperation. By conceptualizing water as a strategic resource embedded within the human security framework, the study highlights its centrality to Pakistan’s long-term stability and sustainable development. The paper ultimately contributes to rethinking security in South Asia by foregrounding environmental stressors as key determinants of political and societal resilience.