Pakistan needs $18bn to boost water storage, irrigation efficiency by 2029

A Planning Commission framework sets a 2029 goal of lifting water-use efficiency to 70% from 40% and increasing farm-gate water availability to 79 million acre-feet from 58.3 million. The News reported that the plan estimates $18 billion in federal financing over the next decade for water infrastructure, including reservoirs, flood management and canal upgrades.

The framework also seeks to expand storage capacity to 23.54 million acre-feet from 15.318 million, while noting that current live storage equals only 11% of annual Indus flows. Ongoing public-sector projects are expected to add 9.821 million acre-feet; proposed dams at Akhori, Shyok and Skardu could add a further 14.5 million. Agriculture uses about 95% of Pakistan’s freshwater withdrawals, and proposed measures include incentives for drip and sprinkler irrigation, revisions to abiana and groundwater registration tied to tubewell subsidies.

The report flags falling groundwater levels in Punjab and declining flood-warning time at Marala Headworks, alongside unsafe urban water sources. It also proposes recycling at least 25% of urban wastewater and calls for coordinated investment and stronger water governance to meet the targets.