Future Water Needs & Planning (2050 Vision)
Forecasting Demand, Managing Risk, and
Shaping a Resilient Water Future
Pakistan is nearing a critical inflection point in its water trajectory. Rapid population growth, urban expansion,
industrialization, and climate variability are placing unprecedented pressure on an already overextended water
system. Without forward-looking planning and structural reform, the country faces the risk of entering an era of
chronic water scarcity by 2050.
This subsection presents a strategic framework to assess future water demand across key sectors and outlines
actionable pathways to build a resilient, sustainable water economy grounded in climate adaptation, technological
innovation, and long-term policy alignment.
Key Areas of Focus
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Current vs. Projected Water Demand
Comparative analysis of present water availability versus 2050 projections, factoring in population growth,
per capita use, and sector-specific trends.
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Sectoral Demand Forecasting
Anticipated requirements across agriculture, urban centers, and industrial corridors with implications for
energy, sanitation, and food systems.
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Climate Adaptation Planning
Integration of hydrological risk into national climate strategy, including drought forecasting, flood modeling,
GLOF zones, and seasonal variability management.
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Low–Water Agriculture & Technology Integration
Promotion of precision irrigation, drought-resistant crops, water-efficient seed varieties, and targeted policy
incentives for water-smart farming.
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Smart Urban Water Systems
Strategic roadmap for deploying metered supply, leak detection, wastewater reuse, and decentralized
infrastructure in growing urban areas.
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Timeline–Based Strategic Roadmap
Phased planning milestones from 2025 to 2050, focused on infrastructure investment, institutional reforms,
public–private partnerships, and performance monitoring.
This subsection underscores the need for a transition from reactive water management to anticipatory, risk-
resilience planning enabled by forecasting, innovation, and whole-of-government coordination.
