Climate Change and Water Crises in Pakistan: Implications on Water Quality and Health Risks

Pakistan is vulnerable and most affected by adverse impacts of climate change. The study examines the impact of climate change on Pakistan during the year 2022, resulting into unprecedented heatwave and drought in summers followed by the abnormal rains and floods during monsoon season. Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan's economy, which has been devastated by both drought and floods. While the flood water is gradually receding, the stagnant contaminated water is causing several health risks for the inhabitants. This research argues that water security is the emerging national security challenge for Pakistan. The article investigates the status of water availability vis-a-vis the burgeoning population, agriculture, and other uses of water. Impact of abnormal melting of glaciers, nonavailability of dams for storage of rainwater, and lack of smart means for agriculture water have been examined to empirically validate the arguments.


Introduction
Climate change has become international buzzword today and it is "no longer an unfamiliar term, which can be comprehended through personal knowledge, experience, and interactions" [1]. Te phenomenon of climate change is largely attributed to human induced actions, more specifcally in terms of emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere [2]. Terefore, the phenomena of climate change are producing many threats on the Earth surface, ranging from droughts, heavy precipitation, and heatwaves to unprecedented tropical cyclones [3]. All these disasters have varying degree of impact over diferent geographical zones, resulting into environmental, health, economic, and social impact. Tere is no denying the fact that the world we live in today is far more vulnerable and afected by the negative impacts of climate change. However, the greatest health impact is being witnessed in the countries which have least share in greenhouse emissions [4]. Tere is also strong realization to attend to climate emergency, which is causing water security issues around the globe, and threatens food security, agricultural yield, food supply, and prices with serious implications on sustainable development, poverty, and inequality. Te UNICEF warns about the availability and use of water in a nicely crafted statement that "the world needs to get water smart, and everyone has to realize that they have a role to play, and we cannot aford to wait" [5]. Te "climate change is happening right now, and its efects are being felt around the world" [6].
Pakistan is vulnerable to the negative consequences of climate change, therefore, susceptible to unusual weather patterns, which can create strategic challenges [7]. Te rising temperatures are causing rapid melting of glaciers in northern areas and unusual rains as seen in monsoon this year have created mayhem through foods, unprecedented in Pakistan's history in last 30 years. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated that Pakistan is facing "the unrelenting efects of epochal levels of rains and fooding" [8]. Te men and material losses are enormous and therefore, Pakistan is likely to face water crisis, food shortages, and serious implications for human security. Reacting to the recent food situation in Pakistan, the Finance Minister Mr Miftah Ismail stated that "Pakistan is dealing with the worst efects of the climate change, which has caused over US$ 30 billion loss to Pakistan's economy and displacing 33 million people" [9]. Tis study explores the impacts of climate change on the availability, usage, and storage of water in Pakistan. Te drought and foods of year 2022 have been taken as case study for analyzing the impacts of climate change across Pakistan by sampling both rural and urban areas. Figure 1 shows the sectoral usage of available water in Pakistan.

Materials and Methods
Te year 2022 is unprecedented in Pakistan's history of last three decades. Te summers produced extreme temperatures which resulted in unusual melting of glaciers in northern areas of Pakistan resulting in partial collapse of bridge near Hassanabad in Hunza [10] as shown in Figure 2.
Later, the exceptional monsoon rains produced extraordinary foods across the country, with huge men and material losses. Te evolving trends indicate that Pakistan is most vulnerable to climate change. Te foods have devastated the agriculture, livestock, and infrastructure. Te loss to national economy is estimated at US$ 30 billion [11]. Te survey and data analyses of past two and half decades reveal that Pakistan confronted from absolute dry and drought situations to devastating foods to the extent of witnessing both phenomenon in one calendar year as happening in the ongoing year 2022. Te study has been completed by considering drought and foods data from primary and secondary sources with particular focus on this year. Te feld visits to rural and urban areas of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Baluchistan were conducted for obtaining the frst-hand information and data on the impacts of food situation. Te relevant ofcials in the ministry of climate change and meteorological ofces were also interviewed and their views have been incorporated in the study for developing a comprehensive picture, conducting rationale analyses, and arriving at workable fndings. Te study is very contemporary and relevant and expected to provide valuable policy guidelines to relevant government ministries in Pakistan as they are grappling with the ongoing food situation and rehabilitation process. Figure 3 highlights the vulnerability of Pakistan to climate change risks in the global context, which has been explored further in the study to empirically prove the vulnerabilities and risks.

Deciphering the Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan.
Climate remains the most debated yet least addressed issue for decades. World leaders have often joined heads to tackle this global phenomenon but with little to no success. From motivational speeches to documentaries and movies on the efects of climate change on the Earth has been narrated time and again but to no avail [13]. Te developed countries remain aloof of devastating efects of greenhouse gas emission is causing to the ozone layer. Te growing depletion of the ozone layer is resulting in increased Ultraviolet (UV) radiations level on the surface of Earth, which has detrimental impact on human health resulting in cancer and weak immune system [14]. Tese UV radiations have devastating efect on the agriculture sector as well due to low yield of the crops [15]. Scientists have been talking about the infamous "black hole" in the Antarctic region for years. But the recent research in the year 2022 has discovered a hole in the Tropics (Tropics are the regions of the Earth near the equator) which is seven times bigger than the Antarctic region [16]. Te more alarming situation is that, despite all this, the industrialized countries are less concerned by the deteriorating ozone and increase in global warming. Various protocols and initiatives like Kyoto Protocol, Copenhagen accord, and Paris accord had been initiated by the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Due to the Sovereign status of the global order, these agreements were not a binding, therefore, the industrial powers contributing the most carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases to the environment withdrew from these accords as it did not serve their economic interests. Te major global contributors of the CO 2 emissions are given in Figure 4: Figure 4 gives an account for the 10 most polluted countries in the world as of 2020. However, China remains leading in that aspect in the year 2022 as well. United States remain on second number with 4.4 billion tons of CO 2 emissions, while India is third producing 2.3 billion tons of CO 2 .
According to Figure 5, the above countries might not appear as the top 10 global CO 2 contributors, but they fall in the top 10 per capita CO 2 contributors, due to their large-     He stated that the "nature has attacked Pakistan, which contributes less than 1% of global emissions" [19] while facing the consequences of developed countries emissions and pollution of climate. He further added that "it was outrageous that action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was being put on the back burner, today it is Pakistan and tomorrow, it could be your country" [20], pointing toward industrialized countries. Te Global Climate Index (GCI) 2021 has also vindicated Pakistan's vulnerabilities to climate risks as shown in Table 1 below, where Pakistan stands number 8 [21] in the vulnerability Index. Te analysis presented highlights the severe impacts of climate change on Pakistan ranging from extreme heat and drought to dreadful foods. [22].

Examination of Water Calamities in Pakistan.
Water is an essential need for ecosystem and human life. In recent times, it has been a growing concern that "precious blue" is becoming inadequate resource for future of human survival [23]. Te amount of fresh water has remained constant on Earth surface since last 100 years; however, the access to water resources is unbalanced [24] with the rapid population growth, urbanization, and deforestation. Similarly, other issues, such as technological waste, growing industrialization, global warming, and climate change, all are among the key contributing factors for extreme water scarcity [25]. Although the water scarcity has emerged as a global challenge today, it has severely hit the underdeveloped countries like Pakistan with serious implications on all sectors. Pakistan stands among top 10 severely "high water risk countries" with agriculture as most afected sector [26]. Moreover, roughly 80% of the population is facing grave shortage of water during at least 1 month in a year which is  very alarming. Under scarce surface water, ground water resources (last resort to water supply) are being over utilized. If appropriate measures are not initiated in time with "whole of nation" and "whole of government" approach, the situation would get worse in time to come and the entire country will face the severe crises of water scarcity by 2025, by most projections "Pakistan could run dry" [27]. Te evolving situation has serious implications on the national security of Pakistan, as it will create challenges for sustainable agriculture production which contributes around 23% of Pakistan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creates job opportunities for around 42% of population [28]. According to the report published by Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Pakistan ranks 14th out of 17 very highrisk countries afected by water scarcity, as more than 1/3rd of available water is wasted due to bad management [29]. Since 1962, after the formalization of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with India, per inhabitant water availability has plummeted from 5229 cubic meters to about 1187 in 2017, which is continuously on the downward slide [30]. Te latest UN report on Pakistan's growing population indicates that by 2050, the population is likely to exceed 366 million [31], which will compound the water demand, which is predicted to reach 274-million-acre feet (MAF) by 2025 against available water supply of 191 MAF. Tis demand and supply gap would continue to grow year on year basis due to growing population and bad water management [32]. Figure 6 shows graphical representation of expected water situation in Pakistan by 2025 viz-a-viz the population [33].

Analysis on Flood Devastations in Pakistan in Year 2022.
Most of Pakistan's economy is dependent on the agricultural sector; however, the industrial sector also contributes a great deal to the economic growth of Pakistan. Te growing population is directly impacting the environment as the number of vehicles on roads and the number of industries to accommodate these individuals will also increase. Te population of Pakistan at the time of independence was 32.5 million; however, as per the 2021 census, the population has increased to 225 million. Although, Pakistan remains signifcantly low on the global CO 2 emissions list, yet the efects of global warming have reached Pakistan in a sweeping manner [34]. Te issue that industrialized countries failed to realize that the environment does not belong to a single country and when one country damages the ozone layer, the entire world would pay the price for that. Te year 2022 was one such year for Pakistan when the efects of climate change brought heavy rainfalls in Pakistan resulting in major loss of lives, infrastructural damage, and massive economic losses to the tune of US$ 30 billion [35]. Te NASA issued satellite imagery on the food situation in Pakistan, which is given in Figure 7. Torrential rainfall and fooding have wreaked havoc across Pakistan killing over 1600 people including children and destroying infrastructure. According to statement given by Sherry Rehman Minister for Climate Change: "One third of the country is literally under water, a catastrophe of unknown precedent" Te data are given in Table 2 and Figure 8. Terefore, the devastating foods caused by unprecedented impact of climate change have hit Pakistan the most this year seriously impacting all the sectors of economy and society [36].

Analysis on Drinking Water Quality in Pakistan.
Te quality of available drinking water in Pakistan is in a dreadful state. Both surface and subsurface water sources are contaminated and disease prone [37] in major cities as well as rural areas. In the overall context, per capita the availability of water is decreasing precipitously in Pakistan, and the country is ranked as "water stressed" country and fast heading toward "water scarce" country in coming few years [38]. Te evolving situation also creates challenges for availability of water for agricultural production, and daily usage requirements, therefore intensifying the human security issues in Pakistan [39]. Water pollution is the most common word today in Pakistan, which can be ascribed to numerous aspects afecting quality of available water [40]. Te common causes are an upsurge in the atmospheric temperatures, with an inbuilt tendency to take heat to the threshold of drinking water, microbes, organic chemicals, nutrients, and heavy metals [41] . Te research fndings have discovered other factors as well afecting water quality, Journal of Environmental and Public Health 5    which include surface debris, sporadic water supply, improper discharge of water supply, proximity of sewage water to drinking water lines, industrial waste which has now become very common in almost all major cities in Pakistan, discharge of untreated sewage water and highly incompetent technical workers and service providers on water disposal projects [42]. Te pollution of water due to geological and natural factors depends on the presence of diferent chemicals and their concentration in the geological formations in selected areas, while anthropogenic pollution is caused by extensive use of herbicides and pesticides, coal mining, oil refning, careless disposal of garbage, and septic tanks [43]. Because of such developments, fresh drinking water is available to hardly 20% of population, while 80% population is content with drinking of contaminated water [44]. Te recent foods have further aggravated the situation as vast swaths of land in Pakistan is still under water, which is now contaminated causing several health issues. Te ongoing situation has also impurifed subsurface drinking water due to seepage of contaminated food water deep in Earth, and government's inability for efective disposal of sewage water.
3.5. Water Security. Food and energy security is directly infuenced by water security for agrarian society like Pakistan, which contributes more than 23% in national GDP. Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan as it employs more than 40 million population and guarantor of breadbasket of the country. Terefore, "the loss of major river systems in the past had a domino efect on the thriving civilizations, which became extinct one after the other" [45]. Pakistan is transitioning from water strained country with declining "per capita fresh drinking water, which is less than 1800 cubic meters per year (m 3 /y) to water scarce country (per capita less than 1000 m 3 /y)" projected by 2035 [46]. Similarly, river water also receding to 800 m 3 /y is expected in 2026 due to growing population. Terefore, "water security is emerging threat for Pakistan" [47]. Pakistan is a lower riparian state reliant on the nature and other countries for river's water. India has constructed more than ffty big and small dams on the rivers coming to Pakistan, which are a constant source of irritation in the bilateral relations and vital for Pakistan's water and energy security. Similarly, Afghanistan is also considering construction of dams on Kabul River, which is likely to create two front dilemmas for Pakistan. Te situation is even challenging when viewed in the context of availability of only two major dams in Pakistan, Tarbela, and Mangla which were constructed in late 1960s and 1970s; however, "their capacities are reducing due to silting." While construction of new dams is highly politicized, charged with massive outrage from political parties and masses, therefore, not likely to happen in near future. It is expected that the availability of less water is likely to increase food shortages and create confict among the federating units and the federation. Similarly, the negative impacts of climate change can cause melting glaciers and unusual pattern of rains, which may lead to fooding as we are witnessing in year 2022.
3.6. Food Security. Te Indus Basin, which is the bedrock of agriculture support in Pakistan is seriously threatened by the negative impacts of climate change. Te changing weather patterns may result in the reduction of crops yield "(15-20% in cereals) and livestock (20-30%)" [48], impacting negatively the dairy and poultry as the agriculture and livestock sectors are the "backbone of Pakistan's economy, which contributes 23% to GDP and accounts 60% exports of country" [49]. Te food security is vulnerable to climate change due to reduction in crops and adversarial infuences on livestock. Reduced water in real harvesting season is changing the crops patterns and the lands are vulnerable to droughts and fooding as well, which also create massive migrations. Te devastations of ongoing foods have created serious food shortages in Pakistan and infation is also all time high. Pakistan's Prime Minister has already rung the alarm bells by stating that Pakistan is vulnerable to serious food shortage, and it is feared that essential food items may be imported this year and next year as all cultivable lands are under water [50].

Competition over Water Resources.
Agriculture-based economies are heavily dependent on the natural resources of the state. Tis is extremely critical situation for the state to cope with the needs of the masses and economic challenges when there is a scarcity of sustainable renewable and nonrenewable resources. Countries like Pakistan where socioeconomic challenges, such as rising population, lack of political will, internal security issues, urbanization, lack of Journal of Environmental and Public Health public policies for managing population, and natural resources are growing at a faster pace as compared with its economic growth. Even the geographical position of the state near the equator is unable to supplement its growing needs and demands. It is an alarming situation for the Pakistan that in the presence of other socioeconomic challenges, the drastic impacts of climate change have also increased its economic and political challenges, while the insufciency of water reservoirs is creating serious concerns of inter-provincial disharmony. Te rising population has not only afected the quantity of water reservoirs but has also depleted the quality in the same manner. Te increase in anthropogenic activities is causing water stress on natural reservoirs, while since independence in 1947, the country is facing persistent decline in the availability of water year on year basis due to multitude of factors examined above. According to the estimates of Mr. Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Chairman Pakistan Agriculture Scientists Association (PASA), in 1947, the capita water availability was 5600 cubic meters, which decreased by 406% from 5260 cubic meters in 1951 to 1038 cubic meters in 2010 and 877 cubic meters in 2020. Te PASA estimates that available water will further deplete by 2025 to a level of 660 cubic meters and by 2050 will reach 575 cubic meters as shown in Figure 9 below [51]. Te causes of water shortages in Pakistan exist in two types: (a) incidental causes related to poor water management policies at local level, (b) operational causes include the political conficts (over the water resources on provincial/ institutional level) and the societal diferences over water management and distribution. Water issue is not only related with the environmental degradation, but also linked with the social factors as abnormal population growth causes a rise in demand of clean water resources, disturbance of equilibrium between communities, provinces, and water resources distribution. As Pakistan consists of multiple ethnicities and diversifed geographical terrain but competition over the access of water resources has often created tensions and conficts among the federating units. Te growing vulnerabilities of communities over the insufciency of water reservoirs promote lawlessness, antistate sentiments and sense of deprivation among its own nationals. Due to lack of strong monitoring mechanism over channelization of available water, for creating a balanced approach between demand and supply of available water, the population is incentivized for illegal water proliferation. Te tacit approval from the water management departments has resulted in water theft cases mostly in Southern Punjab and interior Sindh, as there are many illegal drillings, hidden pipelines, and unrecorded water connections from main supply lines. Such illegal water channels mostly exist adjacent to sanitation systems in cities and rural areas, contaminating the available water. Te increase in anthropogenic activities is also causing water stress on natural reservoirs.
Another reason of growing water scarcity is unlawful construction and sanitation systems near or over the water channels, which continuously contaminate water, especially during foods blend these altogether. Te role of administration is highly crucial in this matter to control such catastrophic constructions and lessen the pressure on water consumption. Te unprotected constructions along rivers, lakes, and streams often cause blockage of natural water channels particularly in monsoon and rainy season resulting into loss of lives, roads network, and infrastructure damage as the enormity of food damages to clean water channels is immeasurable. In 2010 foods, Pakistan witnessed unimaginable losses as around 20 million people were victims, 1.7 million died, 436 healthcare centers were devastated, 80% food reserves were smashed, 2.9 million households were severely damaged, nearly 1.1 million houses were damaged and $ 9.7 billion economic loss in 135 districts. While the issues of accessing the safe water channels was still in demand after food (96.8% before vs 96.7%). In year 2022 foods, these losses have increased manifolds and caused unprecedented damages to natural water resources. Around 33 million people are direct victims, death troll rising above 1500, while 110 district of Baluchistan (Quetta, Pishin, Killa Saifullah, Nushki, Jafarabad, and Washuk), Punjab (Koh e Suleman ranges, Rajanpur, D. G Khan), Sindh (Mirpur Khas, Tatta, Sajawal, and Shaheed Benazir Abad) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Swat and lower/upper Dir) are declared as most calamity hit areas. While 30% water channels are severely afected, and 63% food victims are struggling for sufcient clean water channels. Te economic losses sufered have been estimated to the tune of US$ 30 billion. Te analyses amply highlight the insufciency of available water and demand, compounded by adverse efects of foods during this year.

Negative Impact on Agriculture Sector.
Pakistan is heavily relying on agricultural sector for its international exports and domestic food demands, but in the presence of water crisis and conventional irrigation system for its agricultural production, the country will face severe challenges of water scarcity in times to come. According to Global Food and Security Index 2021, Pakistan ranked 80 out of 113 countries [53] and Global Food and Security Index 2022, it has further slipped by four numbers and now ranks 84 out of 113 countries [54]. Pakistan lags behind all South Asian countries in food insecurity. Te lack of progress in agricultural sector is also linked with the mismanagement of land and water resources, unsatisfactory policies of water governance, exponential population growth, and the negative impacts of climate change. Pakistan has also failed to adopt new strategies like advanced water management in agricultural sector, usage of adaptation methods in yields productions to enhance water consumption in eco-friendly manner, educate farmers about the water recycling and water productivity techniques. While water scarcity is a highly charged political issue in Pakistan as there is a turf war between the provinces and the federation. However, Punjab government took good initiative and introduced national water policy of Pakistan to ensure regularization of water governance system in the country. In the presence of fragile agriculture sector development, climate degradation impacts have worsened the livelihood and yield production. Terefore, on a year-on-year basis, the agriculture yield is squeezing, demand of water is increasing, and unplanned urbanization is resulting into loss of precious agriculture land. Te overall impact of these issues is creating negative repercussions on agriculture production and aggravating food security situation in Pakistan.

Water Quality and Public Health Risks.
Te availability of clean drinking water is biggest national security challenge for Pakistan today. Te water proliferation and loss of water supply sources from government record is not only raising the administrative issues but also causing multiple public health problems. Te contamination of water along with the presence of sanitary pipelines expose the population with the contagious and chronic diseases like diarrhea, cholera, jaundice, typhoid, hepatitis C, liver cancer, and gastrointestinal infections. Te water scarcity in Pakistan has enormous impact on health care system as well as the country is struggling with the diseases that are almost nonexistential in developed countries. Te signifcant fndings of this study are that in Pakistan, 50% diseases spread through contaminated water and provide most suitable medium of spread and transfer various bacterial and viral infections from human to human or animals to human as the country is facing the 40% of mortality rate caused by the contaminated water intake, while the frontline victims of waterborne diseases are pregnant women, newly born babies, and early teenage groups. It is also important to note that the primary source of water in Pakistan is sub-surface water channels, which over a period have become the hub of diferent variants of pathogens. According to World Health Organization (WHO) report, approximately, 2.5 million deaths occur annually in Pakistan from widespread diarrheal diseases caused by bacterial and protozoan agents present in inferior quality of drinking water. Around 80% population is exposed to unsafe water as UNICEF Pakistan has also shared the alarming fact that the well-being and health standards of youngsters are at risk; therefore, each year, 53,000 children under the age of 5 years lose their lives due to unhygienic water as 70% of household work and domestic usage of water in Pakistan is dependent on bacterial water sources. Te foods of 2022 have compounded the problems of availability and access to clean drinking water. Te feld visits to rural and urban Sindh, KPK, and Baluchistan vindicated scarcity and contamination of drinking water, which has been reported by several NGOs and media as well. Te stagnant water has been contaminated due to mixing of sewage water and created ideal breading grounds for bacteria causing serious health risks. Nonavailability of compatible medical support, inaccessibility, and nondisposal of food water have created many health risks and entire population in afected areas is vulnerable to adverse efects of contaminated water. In most areas, the disposal of food water is left to the nature and the government agencies have demonstrated inability to manage it, therefore, spread of waterborne diseases will continue for prolonged period in future.

Legislation for Interministerial Coordination.
Te ministry of climate change should take a lead role and coordinate with all the provinces on the issues of water security. All related agencies and departments should work in harmony with this ministry for synergetic response. Similarly, international engagements would be essential component for successful policy implementation; therefore, Ministry of Foreign Afairs and Ministry of Climate Change should remove overlaps and avoid duplications wherever required.

Proper Enforcement of Legislation. "Pakistan Water
Apportionment Accord 1991" highlights the judicious distribution of Indus River System (IRS) water among the federating units of Pakistan. However, this accord was unable to deal with the conficts arising due to unfair distribution of water at times. To resolve this issue, "Indus River System Authority" (IRSA) was established in 1992 [55], through an act of Parliament to work as an institution for Indus water resources regulation and monitoring in Pakistan. However, the problems related to fair water distribution, monitoring and installation system, and the treatment plants lagged during the implementation phase.
Tere always remained issues between Punjab and Sindh regarding unfair water theft. Despite establishment of "Council of Common Interest" (CCI) to resolve the grievances of provinces, but issues persist due to weak implementation mechanism and weak governance. Te devolution of power under 18th amendment of the constitution, devolved the water distribution among the rural and urban areas of each province as an internal matter of the Journal of Environmental and Public Health provinces; however, water crises remain at large seriously impacting inter-provincial harmony. Te Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) is assigned the task of ensuring clean drinking water across Pakistan. Implementation of water-related policies requires a great deal of realization and urgency on the part of the political elites of Pakistan. Te gravity of the issue needs to be addressed as a national emergency, otherwise, Pakistan is vulnerable to water scarcity situations normally witnessed in African continent.

Judicious Distribution of Water. Being a lower riparian,
Sindh is often complaining about the water shortage, especially in the pre-monsoon period each year. Te claims made by Sindh government at numerous occasions regarding Punjab stealing its share of water have been denied by Indus River System Authority (IRSA). After the 18th amendment, the allocation of resources to the provinces has been ensured to be judicious; however, the internal distribution of these resources to the rural and urban areas is the responsibility of the provinces. Te IRSA is mandated to address, regulate, and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for water allocation to the provinces. Regrettably, each province has its own peculiarities in terms of agricultural needs and population, therefore, making the interpretation and implementation of the accord more difcult. To resolve water distribution issues on sustainable basis, the "whole of government approach" is recommended along with on-site consultative visits by the representatives of provincial and federal governments and political leaders for expeditious resolution of conficting issues. Creating unnecessary fault lines is detrimental to national integration, which should be avoided at all costs.

Water Treatment Plants and Recycling of Water.
Pakistan is in dire need of installing treatment plants as every year, hospitals are fooded with patients, both adults and children sufering from diseases resulting from contaminated water. People living in both urban and rural areas are exposed to contagions and microbial bacteria, which enter the body through water, unsafe for drinking. Not everyone in Pakistan can aford bottled water, therefore, it is the responsibility of the state to provide its citizens with safe drinking water. As we know that Pakistan receives a major portion of heavy rains between the months of July to September, where majority of rainwater ends up in rivers, ponds, while the rest of it results in heavy foods of cities and inhabitants. Te government through installation of treatment plants can flter clean drinking water for ensuring public health. Similarly, more wastewater recycling plants are the need of time, which should be installed at priority. In rural areas, wastewater treatment is almost nonexistent, leading to pollution of surface and groundwater [56]. Te government should pay instantaneous attention to the evolving challenges of treatment of wastewater for sparing clean water for drinking purposes and balanced delivery of recycled water to other uses like irrigation.

Climate Emergency and Disaster Response Mechanism.
Pakistan was successful in convincing the world leaders during recently concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sessions about vulnerabilities to climate risks and the unprecedented impact during year 2022. UN Secretary General Antoni Guterres and US President Joe Biden personally appealed for help for Pakistan to alleviate the sufering and quick rehabilitation of food victims. It is suggested that Pakistan should consider climate diplomacy as an urgent priority and initiate the process of engagement at bilateral and multilateral levels with developed countries to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks of climate change. Additionally, the disaster response mechanism also needs to be re-energized with strong interagency coordination. Te existing structure of national and provincial disaster management authorities should be reinforced through capacity building and professional training. Appropriate equipment for rescue and relief operations also needs to be provided at vulnerable sites for immediate response to save maximum lives. Te infrastructure development in food afected areas should be expedited for which essential resources should be mobilized well in time. Such preparations should be done and rehearsed every year during pre-monsoon season for synergetic and a beftting response to minimize reaction time and save maximum lives.

Conclusion
Climate change is the evolving global threat, and Pakistan is most vulnerable from its negative impacts. Te year 2022 witnessed extreme drought on one hand, followed by unusual foods over the short span of 2-3 months. Terefore, for Pakistan, alarm bells are ringing to take the holistic stock of situation by declaring climate emergency and adopt "whole of nation" and "whole of government" approaches for a comprehensive response ensuring strong interagency cooperation and capitalizing on the synergetic application of all Elements of National Power (EoNP) for optimum results. It is essential to integrate the respective departments under the umbrella of national and provincial disaster response agencies for harmonious functioning, coordination, and execution. Tere is dire need to create strong national realization to "conserve, preserve, and proportionally distribute existing water resources" [57]. Moreover, smart means for spending agriculture water and recycling of water for uses other than drinking would be helpful as such practices have been adopted by most of developed countries. Te construction of more water reservoirs is the need of time and current foods across Pakistan are the testimony of this fact. It is felt that this study shall help the relevant government ministries as an academic policy input for addressing water security issues in Pakistan on sustainable basis.

Data Availability
Te data used to support the fndings of this study are included within this article.