ISLAMABAD – Federal and provincial authorities have acknowledged a looming shortfall in funding for key water infrastructure projects, raising concern over the ability to meet national development goals.
According to insiders, several major initiatives—such as reservoirs, dam enhancements, and canal renovations—are operating on significantly reduced budgets, falling well below the originally planned allocations. Sources say this budgetary squeeze could delay construction timelines and compromise service improvements.
The apparent underfunding comes amid broader fiscal pressures, with heavy allocations to debt servicing and energy subsidies eating into the national purse. Water-sector specialists argue that any delay in canal repairs or reservoir upgrades could exacerbate future shortages and increase the strain on agricultural output.
Officials say corrective action may be taken midyear, including reallocating funds from other portfolios or tapping into public-private partnerships to keep critical projects on track. However, they caution that without swift resolution, smaller towns and farming communities could face worsening water access issues.
Critics are urging transparency and immediate financing to ensure that long-term water management and climate resilience plans stay viable. With monsoon season looming, they warn that even small budget gaps now could have major consequences later.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
