# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Vanishing lifelines" by Nadeem Khalid, Published in Dawn on June 13th, 2025:* The article presents a stark picture of the *water crisis* facing *South Asia*, beginning with the author's personal experience of witnessing *century-old ice chunks* from the *Masherbrum Glacier* in *Gilgit-Baltistan's Hushe Valley* floating downstream due to *global warming*. The *Hindu Kush-Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau*, known as the *Third Pole*, hosts over *54,000 glaciers* holding around *10 trillion tons of water* that feed *10 major rivers* including the *Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra*, sustaining nearly *two billion people*. While glacier melt contributes less than *10% of total river flow* in most systems, it becomes vital during dry seasons, with the *Indus River* being uniquely glacier-dependent, receiving *40-60% of its flow* from snow and ice. If global emissions remain unchecked, up to *75% of glacier mass* may vanish by *2100*, posing serious risks to agriculture, hydropower and water security. *Pakistan*, with over *7,000 glaciers*, faces dual threats of *glacial retreat* and *glacial lake outburst floods*, with warming temperatures forming more than *3,000 glacial lakes*, of which *33 are deemed dangerous*, putting over *seven million people* in the north at constant risk. Water availability across *South Asia* is under immense stress, with *India* having about *1,500 billion cubic meters* of renewable water while *Pakistan* has just *250 BCM*, both relying heavily on overexploited aquifers. Since the *1970s*, uncontrolled *tube well irrigation* has caused groundwater levels to fall alarmingly. The hydrological cycle has become increasingly erratic, with unpredictable monsoons and glacier melt triggering more frequent floods and droughts. Over the past century, *South Asia's population* has grown sixfold from *300 million to 1.8 billion* while cultivable land has only tripled, causing *per capita water availability* to plunge from *5,000 cubic meters per year in 1950* to just *850 in Pakistan*, projected to drop to the critical level of *500 cubic meters by 2050*. *Pakistan's Indus Basin Irrigation System*, one of the world's largest, is deeply inefficient, losing up to *60% of water* to seepage, evaporation, theft and neglect, while the country still relies on wasteful flood irrigation with absent pricing reforms and colonial-era canal infrastructure. Poor crop choices intensify the crisis, with water-hungry crops like *sugarcane, rice and cotton* consuming *2,000-10,000 liters per kilogram*. The article identifies *political dysfunction* as the heart of the crisis, noting that the *1991 Water Accord* meant to ensure fair provincial water-sharing has weak enforcement, with projects like the *Kalabagh dam* stuck in gridlock. Internationally, the author argues that sabre-rattling over the *Indus Waters Treaty* is more noise than policy, as over *80% of Indus flows* originate within Pakistan and India's ability to disrupt them is limited. The article concludes by calling for Pakistan to declare a *water emergency*, draft a national action plan, ratify international water treaties, and make massive investments to upgrade infrastructure, emphasizing that *climate change* is a far greater threat than any rival nation. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: The *Third Pole's 54,000 glaciers* face *75% mass loss by 2100*, threatening *two billion people* dependent on rivers like the *Indus*. *Pakistan's 7,000 glaciers* create *3,000 glacial lakes* with *33 dangerous ones* risking *seven million people*. *Per capita water availability* dropped from *5,000 cubic meters (1950)* to *850 cubic meters*, projected to reach critical *500 cubic meters by 2050*. *Pakistan's irrigation system* loses *60% water* to inefficiency while *water-hungry crops* consume *2,000-10,000 liters per kg*. The *1991 Water Accord* lacks enforcement and *political dysfunction* hampers solutions. The author calls for declaring a *water emergency* and massive infrastructure investments. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Declare Water Emergency* Officially declare a *national water emergency* and draft comprehensive action plans for immediate implementation. ## *2. Modernize Irrigation Systems* Upgrade the *Indus Basin Irrigation System* to reduce the *60% water loss* through modern technology. ## *3. Implement Water Pricing Reforms* Introduce *rational water pricing* mechanisms to discourage wasteful usage and promote conservation. ## *4. Promote Drought-Resistant Crops* Replace *water-hungry crops* like sugarcane and rice with *drought-resistant alternatives* suitable for local conditions. ## *5. Deploy Micro-Irrigation Technology* Implement *micro-irrigation systems* for fruits and vegetables to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. ## *6. Strengthen Water Governance* Depoliticize water management and strengthen the *Council of Common Interests* for transparent governance. ## *7. Implement Ecosystem-Based Adaptation* Reforest degraded lands, restore natural river pathways, and build *green flood barriers* for ecosystem protection. ## *8. Ratify International Water Treaties* Ratify the *UN Water Convention* and other international agreements to reduce regional tensions. ## *9. Upgrade Infrastructure Massively* Invest heavily in *infrastructure upgrades*, plugging leakages, and *aquifer recharge* systems. ## *10. Establish Smart Crop Zoning* Implement *intelligent crop zoning* based on water availability and regional suitability for sustainable agriculture. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Hindu Kush-Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau* hosts over *54,000 glaciers* with *10 trillion tons of water*. - *Indus River* receives *40-60%* of its flow from snow and ice. - Up to *75%* of glacier mass may vanish by *2100* if emissions remain unchecked. - *Pakistan* has over *7,000 glaciers* and *3,000 glacial lakes* with *33 deemed dangerous*. - Over *seven million people* in northern Pakistan live under constant glacial flood risk. - *India* has *1,500 billion cubic meters* of renewable water, *Pakistan* has *250 BCM*. - *South Asia's population* grew from *300 million to 1.8 billion* over the past century. - *Per capita water availability* dropped from *5,000 cubic meters (1950)* to *850 cubic meters* in Pakistan. - Projected to drop to *500 cubic meters by 2050*. - *Pakistan's irrigation system* loses up to *60%* of water to inefficiency. - Water-hungry crops consume *2,000-10,000 liters per kilogram*. - Over *80%* of Indus flows originate within Pakistan. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Pakistan* ranks *3rd globally* in water stress levels (*World Resources Institute*, 2024). - *Himalayan glaciers* retreat at *15 meters per year* on average (*IPCC*, 2023). - *Groundwater depletion* in Pakistan occurs at *2.5 cm per year* (*NASA*, 2024). - *Agricultural sector* consumes *94%* of Pakistan's total water (*FAO*, 2024). - *Drip irrigation* can reduce water usage by *30-50%* compared to flood irrigation (*World Bank*, 2024). - *Pakistan's water storage capacity* is only *30 days* compared to *1000 days* in developed countries (*UNDP*, 2023). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *How many glaciers does the Third Pole region host?* A. 45,000 *B. Over 54,000* C. 60,000 D. 50,000 ### 2. *What percentage of Indus River flow comes from snow and ice?* A. 30-50% *B. 40-60%* C. 50-70% D. 20-40% ### 3. *How much glacier mass may vanish by 2100 if emissions remain unchecked?* A. 60% B. 65% *C. Up to 75%* D. 80% ### 4. *What percentage of water does Pakistan's irrigation system lose to inefficiency?* A. 50% *B. Up to 60%* C. 70% D. 45% ### 5. *What is the projected per capita water availability in Pakistan by 2050?* A. 600 cubic meters *B. 500 cubic meters* C. 450 cubic meters D. 550 cubic meters # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Haunting* (ڈراونا) – Disturbing or deeply affecting emotionally 2. *Stripping* (چھیننا) – Removing or taking away completely 3. *Heartbreaking* (دل دہلا دینے والا) – Causing great sadness or distress 4. *Sustaining* (برقرار رکھنا) – Supporting or maintaining life 5. *Unchecked* (بے قابو) – Not controlled or restrained 6. *Vanish* (غائب ہونا) – Disappear completely 7. *Dual* (دوہرا) – Having two parts or aspects 8. *Retreat* (پیچھے ہٹنا) – Moving backward or withdrawing 9. *Outburst* (پھٹ پڑنا) – Sudden violent release 10. *Immense* (بہت زیادہ) – Extremely large or great 11. *Overexploited* (زیادہ استعمال) – Used excessively beyond sustainable limits 12. *Alarmingly* (خطرناک حد تک) – In a way that causes worry 13. *Erratic* (غیر متوقع) – Unpredictable and inconsistent 14. *Plunged* (گر گیا) – Fell suddenly and dramatically 15. *Seepage* (رساؤ) – Gradual flow of liquid through porous material 16. *Stagnate* (رک جانا) – Cease to flow or develop 17. *Salinisation* (نمکیات) – Process of becoming salty 18. *Exacerbating* (بڑھانا) – Making a problem worse 19. *Gridlock* (تعطل) – Complete standstill or deadlock 20. *Sabre-rattling* (دھمکی) – Threatening behavior or aggressive posturing 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *Vanishing lifelines* *Nadeem Khalid* *5–6 minutes* A FEW years ago, while hiking near the Masherbrum Glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan's Hushe Valley, we witnessed a haunting sight: large chunks of crystal-clear ice believed to be a century old were floating downstream. This melting, driven by global warming, is stripping away snowcaps that took generations to form. It was a heartbreaking reminder of a crisis unfolding across South Asia. The Hindu Kush-Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau — often called the Third Pole — hosts over 54,000 glaciers, holding around 10 trillion tons of water. These feed 10 major rivers, including the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra, sustaining nearly two billion people. While glacier melt contributes under 10 per cent of total river flow in most systems, it becomes vital in dry seasons. The Indus, however, is uniquely glacier-dependent, with 40-60pc of its flow coming from snow and ice. If global emissions remain unchecked, up to 75pc of glacier mass may vanish by 2100 — posing serious risks to agriculture, hydropower and water security. Pakistan, with over 7,000 glaciers, faces a dual threat: glacial retreat and glacial lake outburst floods. Warming temperatures have formed more than 3,000 glacial lakes — 33 deemed dangerous. Over seven million people in the north live under constant risk. Meanwhile, water availability across South Asia is under immense stress. India has about 1,500 billion cubic meters of renewable water, while Pakistan has just 250 BCM. Both rely heavily on overexploited aquifers. Since the 1970s, uncontrolled tube well irrigation has caused groundwater levels to fall alarmingly. At the heart of the crisis lies political dysfunction. The hydrological cycle has become increasingly erratic. While the total water volume hasn't changed dramatically, its timing and distribution have. Unpredictable monsoons and glacier melt are triggering more frequent floods and droughts. Over the past century, South Asia's population has grown sixfold — from 300m to 1.8bn — while cultivable land has only tripled. Per capita water availability has plunged from 5,000 cubic meters per year in 1950 to just 850 in Pakistan. By 2050, it is projected to drop to the critical level of 500 cubic meters. Pollution, poor planning, and inefficiency plague the region's water systems. Pakistan's Indus Basin Irrigation System — one of the world's largest — is deeply inefficient, losing up to 60pc of water to seepage, evaporation, theft and neglect. Pakistan still relies on wasteful flood irrigation. Pricing reforms are absent, and most of the canal infrastructure remains as it was in colonial times. As water grows scarcer, crop yields stagnate, salinisation worsens, and disputes arise. The government must modernise irrigation, promote efficient technologies, introduce rational water pricing and implement smart crop zoning. Poor crop choices also intensify the crisis. Water-hungry crops like sugarcane, rice and cotton consume 2,000–10,000 litres per kilogram — depleting aquifers and exacerbating salinity. Drought-resistant crops and micro-irrigation for fruit and vegetables must be promoted. Human interventions over the last 70 years — dams, deforestation, urban sprawl, pollution, overfishing — have degraded river ecosystems. Pakistan urgently needs ecosystem-based adaptation: reforest degraded lands, restore natural river pathways, build green flood barriers and safeguard vulnerable communities. At the heart of the crisis lies political dysfunction. The 1991 Water Accord was meant to ensure fair provincial water-sharing, but enfo­rcement is weak. Pro­jects like the Kala­bagh dam remain stuck in gridlock due to mistrust and ecological concerns. Any unilateral diversions — such as the recent six-canal project — risk deepening divisions. Water governance must be depoliticised and made transparent under a strengthened Council of Common Interests. Internationally, sabre-rattling over the Indus Waters Treaty is more noise than policy. Over 80pc of Indus flows originate within Pakistan, and India's ability to disrupt them is limited. But weaponising water is a dangerous idea. South Asian countries — India, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh — must ratify the UN Water Convention to reduce future tensions. This region holds enormous potential, but only if it avoids ecological collapse. Climate change is a far greater threat than any rival nation. This is not just a problem, it is a national emergency. Pakistan must declare a water emergency, draft a national action plan, and ratify international water treaties. Massive investments are needed to upgrade infrastructure, plug leakages and recharge aquifers. No crop should be grown unless it serves food security and fits our water limits. The time to act is now. The writer is president, WWF-Pakistan. Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025