Water is a basic necessity of life that requires hygienic conditions and enhances the life conditions. The water crisis in Pakistan is a serious threat to the country's development and security. It is important to address this crisis urgently by investing in water conservation, water management, and water treatment. The country is ranked 14th out of 17 “extremely high water risk” countries in the world. More than 80 percent of the country's population faces “severe water scarcity.” Pakistan's per capita annual water availability has reduced from 1500 cubic meters in 2009 to 1017 cubic meters in 2021. This is expected to fall to 274 million acre-feet (MAF) by 2025. Moreover, the water demand-supply gap in Pakistan is estimated to be 83 MAF by 2025. This means that there will not be enough water to meet the needs of the population.

The major causes of water shortage includes:

• Groundwater depletion. The water table is falling at an alarming rate, and this is making it difficult to access groundwater for irrigation and drinking water.
• Water pollution: Pakistan's water resources are polluted by industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and sewage. This makes water unsafe to drink and use for irrigation.
• Water-related diseases: Waterborne diseases are a major public health problem in Pakistan. These diseases are caused by contaminated water and can lead to death.
• Rapid population growth: Pakistan's population is growing at an annual rate of 2.4%, which is one of the highest in the world. This is putting a strain on the country's water resources.
• Climate change: Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. These events are disrupting water supplies and making it more difficult to manage water resources.
• Poor agricultural practices: Pakistan's agricultural sector is a major user of water. However, many farmers use inefficient irrigation methods, which leads to water waste.
• Water mismanagement: The government of Pakistan has not done enough to manage its water resources effectively. This has led to overextraction of groundwater and water pollution.
• Inefficient infrastructure: Pakistan's water infrastructure is inadequate and outdated. This leads to water losses and disruptions in water supply.

With the Earth consisting of 70% water, there is water shortage causing an alarm globally. From Human health to food production, economic development, to environmental sustainability, without water security, people will face water shortages, waterborne diseases, and food insecurity. Ultimately, it will cause disastrous impacts round the world, while developing and under developing countries like Pakistan will have to face unbearable consequences that might lead to irreversible impacts on LIFE.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve water security. These include:

• Investing in water conservation and efficiency measures
• Developing new water sources, such as desalination and rainwater harvesting
• Reducing water pollution
• Managing water resources effectively
• Raising awareness about the importance of water security

Water security is a complex issue, but it is one that can be addressed. With the right commitment and resources, we can ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean water. In Pakistan, the water security situation is particularly challenging. The country is facing a severe water crisis, and this is expected to worsen in the coming years. The government of Pakistan has taken some steps to address the water crisis, but more needs to be done.

Here are some of the things that we, as individuals or Ambassadors of Climatic Actions, can do to improve water security:

• Invest in water conservation and efficiency measures
• Develop new water sources, such as desalination and rainwater harvesting
• Reduce water pollution
• Manage water resources effectively
• Raise awareness about the importance of water security

The water security of Pakistan is a matter of national security. The government must take urgent action to address the water crisis. By investing in water conservation, efficiency, and management, Pakistan can ensure that its people have access to safe and clean water for generations to come. There is a dire need to cope up with challenges not only at National level, but at Individual level to come up with solutions that can reverse water shortage. Or else, clean water shall be like a MIRAGE, unidentified, unreachable!