The recent challenges encountered in water resources and management in Pakistan: how does legal framework exist in water governance and environmental policy to a sustainable approach to socio-economic?
Nishan-E-Hyder Soomro
A and Huangbao Gui A *
A
Abstract
The natural Earth’s environment has experienced changes owing to human activities predating the Industrial Revolution. Water is essential to Pakistan and significantly affects regional civilisation. Economic development must consider environmental impacts. Sustainable development upholds essential environmental criteria. Freshwater is indubitably the paramount resource imperative for the survival and progression of humanity. This entity transcends societal, economic and environmental domains, establishing it as a universal good.
This research aims to examine water-related issues in Pakistan, assess the effectiveness of current environmental management practices, and propose strategies for improving water governance. By conducting a comparative analysis with countries such as China, India and the United Kingdom, the study seeks to align Pakistan’s policies with global environmental goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). A comparative analysis of environmental impact assessment and ecological protection with countries such as China, India and the UK can facilitate the attainment of global human–water challenges and the UN SDGs.
The research employed qualitative research to examine water-related issues and contemporary environmental practices, accompanied by relevant observations and suggestions aimed at enhancing, executing and devising bilateral or multilateral environmental standards within the region.
The results of the research promote adaptive innovations in water management, especially in the face of the resource limitations and environmental issues that Pakistan experiences. There are various strategies that can be used to improve water management in the country, considering its water scarcity, increasing population and susceptibility to climate change.
The study has emphasised the necessity of fostering legal cooperation in Pakistan’s environmental legislation, alongside water integration and economic policies, as a vital component of national policy for achieving enduring and sustainable projects. This investigation has illuminated the imperative of executing an all-encompassing water management strategy that incorporates the ecological, financial and societal dimensions as the essential constituents of viability in industrial water utilisation. The scenarios indicated that governments may mitigate and foster sustainability through sustainable development, adaptive innovation and global cooperation.
The study has emphasised the urgency of implementing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional water management strategy in Pakistan. This strategy must incorporate ecological sustainability, economic viability and social responsibility to ensure effective industrial and agricultural water use. The research highlighted the importance of aligning national water policies with global standards, fostering international cooperation and adopting adaptive innovations to achieve sustainable water management in line with the SDGs.
Keywords: current practices, environmental challenges, institutions responsible for regulations, national water policy, sustainable development goal and socio-economic, water resources management in Pakistan.
References
Ahmad S (2007) Land and water resources of Pakistan – a critical assessment. The Pakistan Development Review 46, 911-937.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Ahmed T, Zounemat-Kermani M, Scholz M (2020) Climate change, water quality and water-related challenges: a review with focus on Pakistan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17(22), 8518.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Akbar S, Ali Z, Hussain S, Mohammad A, Riaz Y, Shakeel A, et al. (2021) Metal accumulation potential, human health risks, and yield attributes of hundred bread wheat genotypes on irrigation with municipal and remediated wastewater. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 28, 35023-35037.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Alabbosh KF (2025) Leveraging the potential of environmental microorganisms: an extensive examination of their capacity in tackling global and local environmental and ecological challenges. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 34, 1-11.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Ali I, Asim M, Khan TA (2012) Low cost adsorbents for the removal of organic pollutants from wastewater. Journal of Environmental Management 113, 170-183.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Ali M, Kirikkaleli D, Sharma R, Altuntaş M (2022) The nexus between remittances, natural resources, technological innovation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Pakistan. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 29(50), 75822-75840.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Amir M, Malik MS, Ali K (2024) Unlocking green growth: an ARDL estimation of pollution prevention practices for economic and environmental sustainability. Environment, Development and Sustainability 26, 19983-20000.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Asif M (2013) Climatic change, irrigation water crisis and food security in Pakistan. MSc (Sustainable Development) thesis, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Available at https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A667832&dswid=9400
Awan U, Sroufe R, Shahbaz M (2021) Industry 4.0 and the circular economy: a literature review and recommendations for future research. Business Strategy and the Environment 30(4), 2038-2060.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Bigdeli Nalbandan R, Delavar M, Abbasi H, Zaghiyan MR (2023) Model-based water footprint accounting framework to evaluate new water management policies. Journal of Cleaner Production 382, 135220.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Biswas AK (2004) Integrated water resources management: a reassessment: a water forum contribution. Water International 29(2), 248-256.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Boluk KA, Cavaliere CT, Higgins-Desbiolles F (2019) A critical framework for interrogating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda in tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 27, 847-864.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Buyalskaya A, Gallo M, Camerer CF (2021) The golden age of social science. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 118(5), e2002923118.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Carlarne C (2014) Delinking international environmental law & climate change. Michigan Journal of Environmental & Administrative Law 4, 1-60.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Chen TB, Chai LT (2010) Attitude towards the environment and green products: consumers’ perspective. Management Science and Engineering 4(2), 27-39.
| Google Scholar |
Chen F, Wei H (2024) Effect of river chief system on carbon emission efficiency: evidence from China. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 33, 6055-6068.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Chen Y-LL, Chen H-Y, Chung C-W (2007) Seasonal variability of coccolithophore abundance and assemblage in the northern South China Sea. Deep-Sea Research – II. Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(14-15), 1617-1633.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Christodoulou A, Echebarria Fernández J (2021) Maritime Governance and International Maritime Organization instruments focused on sustainability in the light of United Nations’ sustainable development goals. In ‘Sustainability in the maritime domain: towards ocean governance and beyond’. (Eds A Carpenter, TM Johansson, JA Skinner) pp. 415–461. (Springer)
Cimadamore AD (2016) Global justice, international relations and the Sustainable Development Goals’ quest for poverty eradication. Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy 32(2), 131-148.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Conforti P (2011) Looking ahead in world food and agriculture: perspectives to 2050. (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Rome, Italy) Available at https://www.fao.org/4/i2280e/i2280e00.htm
Connor R (2015) The United Nations world water development report 2015: water for a sustainable world (vol. 1). (UNESCO Publishing) Available at https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-world-water-development-report-2015
Crippa M, Guizzardi D, Banja M, Solazzo E, Muntean M, Schaaf E, et al. (2022) CO2 emissions of all world countries – 2022 report. EUR 31182 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. 10.2760/730164
Durrani ZK (2020) Water scarcity and social vulnerabilities: a multi-dimensional perspective of water challenges in Pakistan. In The Journal of Sustainability Education, March 2020. Available at https://www.susted.com/wordpress/content/water-scarcity-and-social-vulnerabilities-a-multi-dimensional-perspective-of-water-challenges-in-pakistan_2020_03/
Eckstein GE (2009) Water scarcity, conflict, and security in a climate change world: challenges and opportunities for international law and policy. Wisconsin International Law Journal 27, 409-461.
| Google Scholar |
Ehtasham L, Sherani SH, Younas K, Izbel U, Khan AH, Bahadur A, Akbar A (2021) A review of the status of environmental impact assessment in Pakistan. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 18(2), 314-318.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Fida M, Li P, Wang Y, Alam SMK, Nsabimana A (2023) Water contamination and human health risks in Pakistan: a review. Exposure and Health 15(3), 619-639.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Fischer J, Riechers M, Loos J, Martin-Lopez B, Temperton VM (2021) Making the UN decade on ecosystem restoration a social-ecological endeavour. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 36(1), 20-28.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Fund for Agricultural Development, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, World Food Programme and World Health Organization (2021) ‘The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2021: transforming food systems for food security, improved nutrition and affordable healthy diets for all.’ (UNICEF: Rome, Italy) 10.4060/cb4474en
Frontado Y (2015) Global water partnership. Interciencia 40(4), 222.
| Google Scholar |
Gleeson T, Wada Y, Bierkens MFP, van Beek LPH (2012) Water balance of global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint. Nature 488(7410), 197-200.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Hák T, Janoušková S, Moldan B (2016) Sustainable development goals: a need for relevant indicators. Ecological Indicators 60, 565-573.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Halvorssen A, Hovi J (2006) The nature, origin and impact of legally binding consequences: the case of the climate regime. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics 6, 157-171.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Hands S, Hudson MD (2016) Incorporating climate change mitigation and adaptation into environmental impact assessment: a review of current practice within transport projects in England. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal 34(4), 330-345.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Hassan GZ, Bhutta MN (1996) A water balance model to estimate groundwater recharge in Rechna Doab, Pakistan. Irrigation and Drainage Systems 10, 297-317.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
He J, Charlet L (2013) A review of arsenic presence in China drinking water. Journal of Hydrology 492, 79-88.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
He ZL, Yang XE, Stoffella PJ (2005) Trace elements in agroecosystems and impacts on the environment. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 19(2-3), 125-140.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Hering JG, Ingold KM (2012) Water resources management: what should be integrated? Science 336(6086), 1234-1235.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Hofmann J, Karthe D, Ibisch R, Schäffer M, Avlyush S, Heldt S, Kaus A (2015) Initial characterization and water quality assessment of stream landscapes in northern Mongolia. Water 7(7), 3166-3205.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Hossain M, Islam K, Andrew J (2006) Corporate social and environmental disclosure in developing countries: evidence from Bangladesh. In ‘Proceedings of the 18th Asian-Pacific Conference on International Accounting Issues’, October 2006, Maui, HI, USA. (California State University) Available at https://ro.uow.edu.au/commpapers/179
Hussain M, Bhatti SH (2023) A review article on an appraisal of maritime laws as a mechanism of community governance for sustainable development goals. Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 11(1), 1-10.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Ikram M, Zhou P, Shah SAA, Liu GQ (2019) Do environmental management systems help improve corporate sustainable development? Evidence from manufacturing companies in Pakistan. Journal of Cleaner Production 226, 628-641.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Jafri SZH (2022) A critical review of the water crisis in Pakistan. Webology 19(2), 10007.
| Google Scholar |
Jamali MZ, Khoso S, Soomro Z, Sohu S, Abro AF (2022) Evaluating the suitability of groundwater in pakistan: an analysis of water quality using synthetic pollution index (spi) and water quality index (WQI). International Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics 30(3), 311-328.
| Google Scholar |
Johnson N, White A, Perrot-Maître D (2001) Developing markets for water services from forests: issues and lessons for innovators. (Virginia Tech: Blacksburg, VA, USA) Available at http://hdl.handle.net/10919/66820
Kahlown MA, Majeed A (2003) Water-resources situation in Pakistan: challenges and future strategies. Water Resources in the South: Present Scenario and Future Prospects 20, 33-45.
| Google Scholar |
Kalita N, Xu Z, Kumar A (2016) Application of software to study the impact of transportation sectors’ greenhouse gas emissions reduction on climate change. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy 35(6), 1559-1565.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Khair SM, Mushtaq S, Reardon-Smith K (2015) Groundwater governance in a water-starved country: public policy, farmers’ perceptions, and drivers of tubewell adoption in Balochistan, Pakistan. Groundwater 53(4), 626-637.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Khan M, Chaudhry MN (2021) Role of and challenges to environmental impact assessment proponents in Pakistan. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 90, 106606.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Khan MA, Khalid I (2016) Water scarcity – a major human security challenge to Pakistan. South Asian Studies 31(02), 525-539.
| Google Scholar |
Khan S, Guan Y, Khan F, Khan Z (2020) A comprehensive index for measuring water security in an urbanizing world: the case of Pakistan’s capital. Water 12(1), 166.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Liu Y, Hejazi M, Kyle P, Kim SH, Davies E, Miralles DG, et al. (2016) Global and regional evaluation of energy for water. Environmental Science & Technology 50(17), 9736-9745.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Liu Y, Li Z, Wang Y, Shen C (2024) Ecological and environmental effects of reclaimed water (RW) irrigation and recharge on soil environment and groundwater quality: a systematic review. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 33, 6025-6036.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Luo T, Young R, Reig P (2015) Aqueduct projected water stress country rankings. Technical Note 16, 1-16.
| Google Scholar |
Magsi H, Torre A (2012) Social network legitimacy and property right loopholes: evidences from an infrastructural water project in Pakistan. Journal of Infrastructure Development 4(2), 59-76.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Maqbool T, Sun M, Chen L, Zhang Z (2022) Molecular-level characterization of natural organic matter in the reactive electrochemical ceramic membrane system for drinking water treatment using FT-ICR MS. Science of The Total Environment 846, 157531.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Moffitt CM, Cajas-Cano L (2014) Blue growth: the 2014 FAO state of world fisheries and aquaculture. Fisheries 39(11), 552-553.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Muhaisen NK, Khayyun TS, Al-Mukhtar MM (2024) Optimization of dualistic reservoir system two-dimensional rule curve with three allocation rules. Civil Engineering Journal 10(2), 404-418.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Mustafa N, MansoorAsghar M, Mustafa R, Ahmed Z, Rjoub H, Alvarado R (2023) The nexus between environmental strategy and environmental performance: analyzing the roles of green product innovation and mechanistic/organic organizational structure. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 30(2), 4219-4229.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Nadeem SM, Ahmad M, Zahir ZA, Javaid A, Ashraf M (2014) The role of mycorrhizae and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in improving crop productivity under stressful environments. Biotechnology Advances 32(2), 429-448.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Oliazadeh A, Bozorg-Haddad O, Pakdaman M, Baghbani R, Loáiciga HA (2022) Optimal merging of multi-satellite precipitation data in urban areas. Theoretical and Applied Climatology 147(3), 1697-1712.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Rahman S, Faheem M, Matiullah (2008) Natural radioactivity measurements in Pakistan – an overview. Journal of Radiological Protection 28(4), 443.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Raza A, Liu X, Sui H, Liu Q, Hussain M (2025) Impact analysis of Chinese FDI and green innovations on carbon emissions in Pakistan: utilizing the ARDL bounds testing method. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 34, 297-309.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Robert KW, Parris TM, Leiserowitz AA (2005) What is sustainable development? Goals, indicators, values, and practice. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development 47(3), 8-21.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Sachs JD (2012) From millennium development goals to sustainable development goals. The Lancet 379(9832), 2206-2211.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Sial SA, Zaidi SMA, Taimour S (2018) Review of existing environmental laws and regulations in Pakistan, as well as focus on the impacts of non-compliance of such laws on various sectors including health, business development, and resource loss. WWF report PK 2018. (WWF-Pakistan,: Punjab, Pakistan) Available at https://wwfasia.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/12--review-of-existing-environmental-laws-and-regulations-in-pakistan.pdf
Sial TA, Rajpar I, Khan MN, Ali A, Shan M, Rajput AB, Shah PAN (2024) Impact of fruit and vegetable wastes on the environment and possible management strategies. In ‘Planet earth: scientific proposals to solve urgent issues’. (Ed. A Núñez-Delgado) pp. 307–330. (Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland)
Singh S, Tanvir Hassan SM, Hassan M, Bharti N (2019) Urbanisation and water insecurity in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: insights from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Water Policy 22(S1), 9-32.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Sohail MT, Delin H, Siddiq A (2014) Indus basin waters a main resource of water in Pakistan: an analytical approach. Current World Environment 9(3), 670-685.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Su Y, Liu M, Deng N, Cai Z, Zheng R (2024) Rural digital economy, agricultural green technology innovation, and agricultural carbon emissions–based on panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2012 and 2021. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 33(6), 6347-6361.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Tamea S, Carr JA, Laio F, Ridolfi L (2014) Drivers of the virtual water trade. Water Resources Research 50(1), 17-28.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Tsani S, Koundouri P, Akinsete E (2020) Resource management and sustainable development: a review of the European water policies in accordance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental Science & Policy 114, 570-579.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Utama W, Indriani RF, Hermana M, Anjasmara IM, Garini SA, Putra DPN (2024) Towards improving sustainable water management in geothermal fields: SVM and RF land use monitoring. Journal of Human, Earth, and Future 5(2), 216-242.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Van Kleunen M, Dawson W, Schlaepfer D, Jeschke JM, Fischer M (2010) Are invaders different? A conceptual framework of comparative approaches for assessing determinants of invasiveness. Ecology Letters 13(8), 947-958.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
Van Steenbergen F, Basharat M, Lashari BK (2015) Key challenges and opportunities for conjunctive management of surface and groundwater in mega-irrigation systems: lower Indus, Pakistan. Resources 4(4), 831-856.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Wada Y, van Beek LPH, van Kempen CM, Reckman JWTM, Vasak S, Bierkens MFP (2010) Global depletion of groundwater resources. Geophysical Research Letters 37(20), L20402.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Wang X-L, Lu Y-L, Han J-Y, He G-Z, Wang T-Y (2007) Identification of anthropogenic influences on water quality of rivers in Taihu watershed. Journal of Environmental Sciences 19(4), 475-481.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
World Health Organization (2021) Monitoring progress on universal health coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals in the WHO South-East Asia Region 2021. (WHO) Available at https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/srhreports/health/health/59/
Xue J, Rasool Z, Nazar R, Khan AI, Bhatti SH, Ali S (2021) Revisiting natural resources – globalization–environmental quality nexus: fresh insights from South Asian countries. Sustainability 13(8), 4224.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Yang Y, Lau AKW, Lee PKC, Yeung ACL, Cheng TCE (2019) Efficacy of China’s strategic environmental management in its institutional environment. International Journal of Operations & Production Management 39(1), 138-163.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |
Zakir-Hassan G, Allan C, Punthakey JF, Baumgartner L, Ahmad M (2023) Groundwater governance in Pakistan: an emerging challenge. In ‘Water policy in Pakistan: issues and options’. (Ed. M Ahmad) pp. 143–180. (Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland) 10.1007/978-3-031-36131-9_6
Zulkifli SN, Rahim HA, Lau W-J (2018) Detection of contaminants in water supply: a review on state-of-the-art monitoring technologies and their applications. Sensors and Actuators – B. Chemical 255, 2657-2689.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |
