Pakistan faces 25% Rabi water shortage, raising food security concerns

Pakistan is set for a 25% water shortage during the Rabi season, starting this week, with reservoir carryover at its lowest since 2021 (below 9.5MAF). This shortage, partly attributed to "man-made" releases, puts significant pressure on the crucial wheat crop, following an estimated two million-tonne shortfall last season that necessitated imports. The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) will meet to finalize water availability and provincial shares, potentially reviving acrimony between Sindh and Punjab over distribution under a three-tier formula. This situation could lead to higher food inflation and increased import bills, potentially weakening the PKR and making gold more attractive as a hedge in Pakistan.

بحوالہ / Source: www.dawn.com