Water Reservoirs Must Be a National Priority to Address Pakistan’s Flood and Water Crisis: Rana Zahid Tauseef

Senior politician and former Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum, Rana Zahid Tauseef, has called for the urgent construction of water reservoirs across Pakistan, warning that recurring floods and water shortages are causing severe economic and agricultural damage.

Speaking in an interview, Rana Zahid Tauseef said devastating floods strike various parts of the country every year, destroying homes, crops, livestock and infrastructure, while affected areas often take three to four years to recover.

He criticized successive governments for failing to establish adequate water-storage facilities despite Pakistan facing both floods and water scarcity simultaneously. “On one hand, excessive water causes destruction, while on the other, lack of water turns fertile land barren,” he said.

Rana Zahid Tauseef stressed that water disputes have become increasingly serious, sometimes leading to violence, and argued that Pakistan must make reservoir construction a national priority. He said floodwaters should be stored in reservoirs and distributed through rivers and canals for agricultural use.

“Pakistan has completed 78 years of independence, yet we still lack sufficient water-storage infrastructure,” he said, adding that national resources should be directed toward long-term development projects rather than non-essential expenditures.

He said improved water management could significantly boost agricultural production, increase wheat, rice and cotton output, reduce imports and create export surpluses.

Rana Zahid Tauseef urged the government to focus on strengthening the country’s foundations by investing in water infrastructure, agriculture and sustainable development. He warned that unemployment and economic challenges are increasing and called for immediate action to address the country’s growing water crisis.

He emphasized that reservoirs should be built particularly in flood-prone regions to prevent annual devastation and ensure water availability during periods of scarcity.

“Water is Pakistan’s lifeline, and its proper management is essential for the country’s future prosperity,” Rana Zahid Tauseef said in the interview.