Issue Brief on “Multisectoral Impacts of Continued Drought on Pakistan’s Economy”

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Introduction

Pakistan is facing an increasingly severe drought crisis, driven by shifting climate patterns, declining rainfall, and rising temperatures. As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming Kharif season, fears of an unprecedented water shortage have raised alarms among irrigation experts and policymakers. With dam levels at historic lows, reduced river flows, and declining snowfall, the country faces a severe crisis that could disrupt food production, trigger inflation, and worsen socio-economic conditions.[1] The persistent water shortages can have far-reaching implications, particularly for the agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in national GDP and employment. Given Pakistan’s reliance on agriculture and water-intensive industries, prolonged drought conditions pose significant threats to food security, economic stability, and rural livelihoods.

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