DESPITE strong words and announcements made by our previous governments, nothing has been done properly to counter the water crisis in the country. Rather the situation has taken a quantum leap for the worse.

Water is a source of life but, unfortunately, Pakistan is in the grip of its scarcity. The aggravating crisis is gnawing at the public mind and, regrettably, it has considerably contributed towards straining national harmony. There are no sings of tiding over this grim situation.With the gradual depletion of water resources, the precarious situation is further embittered by the shortage of rainfall which is so essential for the agriculture sector. This deteriorating state has accentuated the feelings of deprivation among smaller provinces.

Exploiting the situation the hard liners in the areas have embarked on lashing Punjab with a heavy stick for its alleged neglect in resolving the share of water and usurping their share.

Pakistan, according to experts, is going through the worst water shortage of history. The current drought in Sindh and Balochistan has shattered the economy as well as agriculture of the country.

Back in the 1950s, Quetta was considered Pakistan’s prime orchard which provided fruit for the country and for export as well. However, now many growing areas are in a critical situation, threatened by overuse of groundwater and natural droughts.

IMRAN KABOORO Johi