Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning that the ongoing drought conditions in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan may worsen in the coming months due to below-normal rainfall, rising temperatures, and significantly low water levels in the country’s major dams.
Between September 1 and March 21, Pakistan experienced an overall rainfall deficit of 40%, with Sindh facing a 62% shortfall, Balochistan 52%, and Punjab 38%. This has led to acute water shortages in key reservoirs like Tarbela and Mangla, and river flows are reported to be at extremely low levels.
The PMD forecasts that in Sindh, moderate drought conditions are likely in areas including Padidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi, while mild conditions may affect Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Sanghar. In Balochistan, moderate drought is anticipated in Gwadar, Kech, Lasbela, Panjgur, and Awaran, with mild conditions in Chagai, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sibbi, Nushki, and Washuk. Punjab’s Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan districts are also expected to experience mild drought conditions.
The department is closely monitoring the situation and warns of the potential emergence of a “flash drought” due to the continued rainfall deficit and increasing temperatures. It advises stakeholders to implement pre-emptive measures in drought-prone areas and urges farmers to stay updated through the PMD’s official channels.
Pakistan ranks fourth globally in water consumption rates, with the agriculture sector being the largest consumer of freshwater resources. The consistent decline in rainfall over recent decades has raised concerns among experts about the country’s approach toward a severe water crisis.
