Hydropolitics of Pakistan

Introduction
o
Pakistan is one of those states which is blessed with abundance of surface and ground water.
o
Abdul Sattar writes in his book: "As Egypt is the gift of Nile, Pakistan is the gift of Indus" o
Unfortunately, Pakistan despite having all the abundance of water has not properly utilized its
resource.
o
The negotiations and treaties done in the past prove to be of some help to Pakistan's shaky
Hydropolitics.
o
Pakistan needs to focus on its water management policies both inter and intrastate. o It must
also develop a mechanism to resolve water related issues at local levels instead of taking it to
higher offices.
o
But with the increased developments in the region, Hydropolitics has become a political
debate between states and between provinces
o
The only solution to this issue lies in fixing existing minor problems (from infrastructures to
domestic use).
o
It is proved by many international bodies that if Pakistan does not start working on its water
policy and water management, it will become a water stressed country in near future - a
situation that Pakistan can ill afford. The incumbent and future administrations also need to
realize the hardship Pakistan could face due to mismanaged water policy.

Suggested: Go to the link to have an overview of Pakistan's water policy

(Read only the first 10 pages) http://water.muet.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/National
Water-Policy.pdf

Geography
Total Area: 881,913 sq. km
Population: 220,892,340 people

Pakistan can be divided into five physiographic regions:

o
The Karakoram Mountains in the northwest on the border with India and China. The highest
peak, K-2 (8,611 meters) is part of the Trans-Himalayan Range.
o
The Hindu Kush and the Western Mountains in the north on the border with Afghanistan. The
Tirichmir (7,690 meters) is the highest peak in the Hindu Kush range. o The Potwar Plateau, just
south of Islamabad. The elevation varies from 300 to 600 meters. South of the Potwar Plateau is
the Salt Range.
o
The Indus Plain, stretching from the Salt Range to the Arabian Sea. This flat plain is largely
made up of alluvium (clay or silt deposit after flooding) over 300 meters deep, deposited by
 the Indus River and its tributaries.
o
The Baluchistan Plateau in the southwest of the country, with an average altitude of about
600 meters. Dry hills run across the plateau from northeast to southwest. A large part of the
northwest is desert.

The Rivers
The River Indus and its tributaries are the main source of water supply in Pakistan. Dams and
barrages have been built on the Indus and its tributaries to store water. o Large dams at Tarbela
and Mangla are multipurpose projects storing water, irrigating lands and also generating hydro
electricity.
o
Small dams like those at Khanpur, Rawal and Hub supply water for agriculture, industrial and
domestic use and act as a reservoir as well.
o
Barrages also supply water for irrigation as well as industrial and domestic use.
The Indus
o
The ultimate source of Indus in Tibet, where it emerges from a Tibetan Plateau near a Lake
called "Manasarovar" or "Manas Sarovar".
 o
Then it runs through Ladakh region of Indian Occupied Kashmir.
o
And then it moves towards Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Administered Region. o
Then it runs South, along the entire length of Pakistan.

Indus and Its Tributaries

The Indus River has two main tributaries:
Right Bank Tributaries:
The right bank has the following tributaries:
o
Shyok river (Ladakh region)
o
Gilgit river (Gilgit-Baltistan region)
o
Kabul river (Hindu Kush Afghanistan)
o
Gomal river (Ghazni Afghanistan)
o
Kurram river (Koh-e-Sufid, Pakistan)

Left Bank Tributaries:

Left bank tributaries include The Panjnad, which is a resulting flow of five main rivers:
o
Western Rivers
▪
Jhelum river
▪
Chenab river
o
Eastern Rivers
 ▪
Ravi river
▪
Beas river
▪
Sutlej river

Water Supply System

Definition: Water supply system, infrastructure for the collection, transmission, treatment,
storage, and distribution of water for homes, commercial establishments, industry, and irrigation,
as well as for such public needs as firefighting and street flushing. (Britannica) Water sources: The
major water sources in Pakistan are rivers, rain water and ground water. Irrigation system:
Irrigation is the man-made supply of water to the land to encourage vegetation.
o
In Pakistan, 75 % of the agricultural land is under irrigation.
o
The irrigation system of Pakistan is the largest integrated network in the world. o Perhaps no
other area in the world can claim so many major rivers flowing in close proximity of each other,
which makes Pakistan unique.
Major Dams:
Name Location/ District Water Body Height Year of Completion

Tarbela Dam Haripur, KP Indus River 470 ft. 1976

 Mangla Dam Mirpur, Kashmir Jhelum River 453 ft. 1967

Diamer Basha Dam Diamir, GB Indus River 892 ft. 2028

General Terminology
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is an enlarged natural or artificial lake or pond, or impoundment created using a dam
to store water.

What is a Hydropower?
Hydropower (or water power) is energy derived from falling-water or fast-running water, which is
harnessed for useful purposes.
OR
Hydroelectric power is produced with moving water. At hydropower plants water flows through a
pipe, or penstock, then pushes against and turns blades in a turbine to spin a generator to
produce electricity.

What is a Dam?
A dam is a barrier that stops or restricts the flow of water. Reservoirs created by dams not only
suppress floods but also provide water for activities such as irrigation, human consumption,
industrial use, aquaculture, and navigability.

What is a Headwork?
Headwork is a civil engineering term for any structure at the head or diversion point of a
waterway. It is smaller than a barrage and is used to divert water from a river into a canal or from
a large canal into a smaller canal.

What is a Barrage?
A barrage is a type of low-head, diversion dam which consists of a number of large gates that can
be opened or closed to control the amount of water passing through. This allows the structure to
regulate and stabilize river water elevation upstream for use in irrigation and other systems.

What is a Canal?
A canal is a manmade waterway that allows boats and ships to pass from one body of water to
another. Canals are also used to transport water for irrigation and other human uses.
What is a Floodgate?
Floodgate, gate for shutting out or releasing the flow of water over spillways, in connection with
the operation of a dam. Vertical lift, or radial, gates rise to permit flow under the gate.

What is a Karez?
A karez is an under ground irrigation tunnel. It has a gentle slope that conveys groundwater using
gravity to the land surface.

History of Hydropolitics in Pakistan

"As Egypt is said to be the gift of Nile, Pakistan is the gift of the Indus." - Abdul Sattar
Partition 1947: Two Important Headwork
The headwork of two important canal systems was left in Indian territory, and the command areas
in Pakistani territory.

Standstill Agreement
Due absence of any arrangement for the sharing of water in those canal commands, the two
countries concluded a standstill agreement until 31 March, 1948, to allow time to reach a longer-
term settlement.

1948: India Cuts off Water Supply

The agreement failed to settle down.
The provincial government of Indian Punjab unilaterally suspended supplies to Pakistan from its
headworks.
This was an utter violation of Pakistan's rights under international law.

BRBD
This brief episode of the suspension of water supplies alarmed the Pakistani water bureaucracy
into initiating the Bombanwala-Ravi-Bedian-Dipalpur (BRBD) link canal project It allowed flows
from the Ravi River to be diverted to the Sutlej.

Constructing the Bhakra Dam

India also embarked on the construction of Bhakra Dam on River Sutlej to divert the water supply
of the entire Sutlej river.

1950: Arbitration Proposal

Pakistan proposed for arbitration, but India refused the offer.

1952: Efforts by World Bank

World Bank's President: Eugene Black, offered his good offices for negotiations. The solution
would provide India with additional water supplies without damaging Pakistan This offer was
accepted by both states.
This event clearly identifies how important water is for both Pakistan and India as the Water
Dispute took Eight years to resolve.

1960: The Indus Water Treaty

Signed on: 19 Sep, 1960
Eastern rivers to be used by India (Ravi, Bias and Sutlej)
Western rivers to be used by Pakistan (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab)
Exceptions: Water of western rivers can be used by India for domestic and non consumptive use
only; also for agriculture but to a very specified limit.

World Bank Fund Raiser

WB raised funds for construction of two dams and link canals to compensate and supply water
from western rivers to the eastern parts of Pakistan (that would likely suffer due to eastern rivers
given to India).
1962: Mangla Dam
Constructed on Jhelum River
Completion: 1967
1968: Tarbela Dam
Constructed on Indus River
Completion: 1976
Payments
Total of $1.3 Bn was required on replacement works. Multiple states contributed:
India to pay $170 Mn under IWT 1960.
USA contributed $500 Mn
The rest of the amount was donated by Australia, Britain, Canada, Germany and New Zealand.

The Self-executing Mechanism of IWT

The IWT was farsighted in anticipating problems that might arise in interpretation and
implementation of the agreement.
For this reason, the treaty was made self-executing as it provided a mechanism for peaceful
settlement between the two states.
1. The Permanent Indus Commission
This commission comprises of high level technical representatives from both states.
Responsibility: to resolve differences of interpretation and ensure smooth and peaceful
implementation of policies.

2. The Governments
If the commission fails to settle on a common decision the matter can be taken up to the
government level.
Responsibility: Same as above
3. The Neutral Expert
If the government cannot resolve the differences the matter can be taken up to a neutral
expert provided that the neutral expert is appointed and approved by both parties.
Responsibility: Same as mentioned previously

4. Option of World Bank

 Instead of a neutral expert, the WB can also provide the same guidance with the same
responsibility.
The final decision made by neutral expert or WB is binding.

5. Court of Arbitration
If the Neutral expert or WB rules that the decision does not fall under its decision or the
issue is actually a Dispute then the issue must be submitted to the "Court of Arbitration"
whose award is final and binding.

IWT: Plus Points and Criticism

Positives
o
Self-executing mechanism of IWT that automatically resolves the dispute between the two
states.
o
The water infrastructure development in the aftermath of IWT gave an economic success to
both states (WB donations).
o
IWT consists of extensive technical annexures and agreed upon precisely because future
disputes (Tulbul/ Wullar, Baghlihar, Salal) were anticipated.
o
The expert view held that the treaty serves both countries’ interests and that revoking it
would open a Pandora’s box (unexpected issues) of bilateral water-sharing between India
and Pakistan and other South Asian countries.

Criticism
o
Nationalist engineers negotiated the IWT, and the treaty did not concern itself with more
contemporary principles of equitable sharing of water between riparians. o The treaty mirrored
the political landscape of that time by simply dividing the basin between the two countries
instead of providing for meaningful cooperative management or sharing.
o
Infrastructure developed under IWT served strategic purposes only (canals for military and
defense) (Indra Gandhi Canal and BRBD)

India's Investment on Western Rivers

IWT allows India to construct Run-of-the-river power plants but forbids the construction of dams
to obstruct water flow.
Whenever India violates any rule, it is confronted by the obligations of IWT.
However, Four such cases have been witnessed after signing IWT.

1. Dam construction on Chenab River at Salal (1970s)

o
Indus Commission failed to settle this issue
o
It was taken up to the states' government for a resolution
o
India then decided to reduce the height of the dam to relieve Pakistan from its concerns
 of restricting water flow.

2. Barrage construction on Jhelum River at the mouth of Wullar Lake (1980s) This water storage
was way above its limit (33 time extra water storage than prescribed limit)
1985: Pakistan raised the issue but no progress was made
1987: Matter was taken to the Governments where India decided to suspend the
construction of the dam.
Later, India argued that Barrage can provide mutual benefit to the states but Pakistan took
no part in this argument.
1989: Pakistan asked India to acknowledge the inconsistency of its project but India refused.
However, India proposed a design change to eliminate any harmful effects on Pakistan.
Compromise drafts were exchanged but no final decision was made. India then unilaterally
suspended implementation of projects due to an uprising in Kashmir.

3. Hydroelectric Power Plant along with a Dam on Chenab River at Baglihar (1999) The reservoir
was far out from the limit and would easily manipulate India to obstruct water flow to
Pakistan.
This was an alarming situation for Pakistan as this project would compel India to completely
stop water supply for "up to 28 days"
And flood Pakistan during "critical wheat growing period of December to February."
Pakistan raised its wishes to visit the site but India delayed the visit.
2001 - 04: Negotiations at Indus Commission were fruitless as India did not agree that it
violated the design agreement under IWT.
2005: Matter was taken up to the Governments. But the stalemate remained unbroken. 12
Feb, 2007: the matter was taken to a neutral expert (WB). As a result, Height of the dam was
reduced by 1.5 meters and pond size reduced by 14%.

4. Hydroelectric Power Plant along with a Dam on Kishanganga Tributary of Jhelum River (2005)
Pakistan raised objection with this project's initial reveal, claiming that diversion of streams
would violate IWT.
The Court of Arbitration allowed India to divert a part of the stream and leave the rest of it to
flow downstream.
Pakistan's Internal Hydropolitics (Intrastate Hydropolitics/ Interprovince
Hydropolitics)
The conflict over water distribution between the dominant Punjab province and remaining smaller
provinces in the federation, particularly Sindh province, has remained peaceful and limited to the
political arena.

History of Interprovincial Hydropolitics

o
In Pakistan, the interprovincial conflict over the allocation of the Indus Rivers’ water dates to
the beginning of the massive canal construction by the British in Punjab from the mid
 nineteenth century onward.
o
The first substantial interprovincial water allocation treaty between the Punjab and the
downstream riparian Sindh province dates to 1945.
o
The treaty allocated 75% of the waters of the main-stem Indus River to Sindh province, and
25% going to Punjab province. The treaty further allocated 94% of the water from the five
eastern tributaries of the Indus River to Punjab, and 6% to Sindh.

What Happened to interprovincial water sharing after IWT?

o
The partition of the Subcontinent and the subsequent signing of the IWT by India and Pakistan
allocated most of what was Punjab’s share of the Indus basin waters (according to the 1945
Sindh-Punjab Agreement) to India, and provided for construction of storage and link canals
from the western half of the Indus basin to the eastern half to compensate for the water lost
to India.
o
Sindh widely perceived the compensatory water and the storage on the Indus and Jhelum
Rivers to be compensation to Punjab province at the expense of Sindh.

Kalabagh Question
o
The Kalabagh Dam controversy—an argument between the dominant Punjab province and
the remaining smaller provinces in Pakistan, especially Sindh, over a proposed storage dam
on the main-stem Indus River in Punjab—is perceived by Sindh as yet another insult that has
been directed at them by the Punjabis in the form of further appropriation of Sindh’s rightful
share of water.
o
Moreover, it is also claimed that Punjab messes up the figures to show water scarcity and
water wastage in order to build the Dam for additional water storage.
o
The Pakistani Water Managers View Kalabagh as an element of misgovernance in both
provinces and a pure engineering issue that can be resolved by changing the design and also
the reluctance of its stake-holders.
o
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is concerned about the potential flooding of rich farmland and Pashtun
cultural heartland by the lake that will be created behind the dam. The province is also
reluctant to lend its support to the project because of suspicions based on the poor record of
the Pakistani government in providing for the rehabilitation of those affected by earlier large-
dam projects.
o
The environmentalists argue that instead of coming up with new mega-projects, Pakistan
should focus on existing ones and try to repair and improve their functionality.

Issues with Pakistan's Ground Water

o
Although the focus of subnational Hydropolitics in Pakistan has been surface water, it would
be useful here to point to the significance of groundwater in the basin and related problems
of water logging and salinity, which are likely to have much greater impact on water use,
agricultural productivity, and hence Hydropolitics in the long run.
 o
The estimated 0.8 million water pumps in Pakistan supply almost 50% of the crop-water
requirements in the country.
o
Consequences of using groundwater is the secondary salination of 4.5 million hectares of land,
half of which affects the Indus basin’s irrigated lands.
o
An additional 1 million hectares of irrigated land in the Indus are affected by waterlogging
from canal seepage and inappropriate irrigation practices.
o
The problem of salinity is acutest downstream in Sindh province, where 70 to 80% of the soils
are classified as moderately to severely salinized.
o
This land degradation is severely hurting agricultural productivity, and most remedies have
largely been unsuccessful.

Interprovincial Water Accord of 1991

o
The water conflict between Sindh and Punjab had a tentative settlement in the form of the
interprovincial water accord of 1991, when four provincial governments, all governed by the
same political party for the first time in Pakistan’s history, agreed to set allocations among
the four provinces.
o
The accord was based on the assumed average flow of 114.35 million acre-feet (MAF) of water
in the Indus system, which was allocated in the following manner:
o
55.94 MAF of water to Punjab
o
48.76 MAF to Sindh
o
Remaining 9.65 MAF divided between Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. o Although
it has been argued that the actual sharing came closest to what a reasonable sharing could be,
the accord nevertheless suffered a crisis of legitimacy.
o
The legitimacy was in question primarily because the negotiating process leading up to the
accord was not transparent and did not include all the stakeholders, particularly from the
smaller provinces.

Floods of 2010 and Interprovince Reaction

o
The subnational water issue in Pakistan took a new twist in 2010 with the worst floods in the
country’s history.
o
The floods were a consequence of the anomalous intense rains in the western Indus basin,
something that was once observed every few decades but that has been experienced more
than three times in the past decade alone.
o
The floods are being used by the pro-dams lobby to call for construction of more storage on
the Indus, but the tragedy also ought to inspire a more nuanced and comprehensive
reevaluation of the water-management system in the basin.

Future of Pakistan's Hydropolitics

o
Both States will cooperate in the future to develop a healthy mechanism of water sharing.
 (Least Likely)
o
India will continue its Dam racing in Indian Occupied Kashmir to jeopardize Pakistan's weak
water situation even further. (Likely)
o
Under the light of IWT both States (no matter how much hostile they can get) will be
compelled to cooperate for long-term benefits both regionally and internationally. (Most
Likely)

Remedies
Local Remedies:
o
Issues of local water problems must be resolved on local levels instead of taking the matter to
higher offices.
o
Municipality must be vigilant in effective water management by working on minor
infrastructure issue, sewage problems, water leakage issues and water supply issues to less
developed localities.
o
Prevention of water theft by controlling the development of secret canals from Punjab to
Sindh.

Political Remedies:
o
Resolving Inter-provincial conflict.
o
Addressing the issues of all provinces especially Sindh.
o
Federal and Provincial Governments must be on the same page to resolve water management
issues.
o
Viewing water crisis as a National issues instead of a provincial one.
o
Minimize international warfare on water by ensuring strong ties with Afghanistan, as Kabul
River is the only water source for Warsak Dam at KP and upper riparians. India has already
started funding Afghanistan for developments (KAMA hydroelectric power plant) which may
lead to future water disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Therefore, a change in
strategy with Afghanistan might help. And Pakistan is already on its way to achieve it (Peace-
talks).

Education and Role of NGOs:

o
Educating the public on water-borne diseases in order to stop wasting or contaminating
water.
o
Promoting community activities and trainings for domestic water management and dealing
with minor water shortages.
o
Educating and training the public on basic water filtration techniques, especially in poorly
developed areas, to be prepared for any water crisis that are faced during flood season and
droughts.
o
Educating the children on school level about the importance of water and also teaching them
 to use water efficiently at home and school.

Role of Media:
o
Spreading awareness on importance of water via news channels, newspapers, billboards and
advertisements.

Dissect Projects:
o
Pakistan needs to divide water related projects with respect to time frame required for
completion.
o
This will help in completing short-term projects first and then moving on towards long-term
projects.
o
Projects can also be divided on the basis of Priority. The one that holds more importance
should be completed first.

Advancement in Water Management:

Tunnel Farming to reduce water consumption by plants: Polythene sheet is used to create a
tunnel-like body on top of the plant in order to prevent rapid evaporation (few projects have
started in Multan, Bahawalpur and Pindi Motorway).
Vertical Farming: saves space and residual water seeps down to lower plants, hence prevents
water wastage.
Crops: Sugar-cane and Rice consume 1500 - 3000 liters and 1200 - 1900 liters of water
respectively. This proves that a lot of water is wasted in producing these two crops alone. Instead
of wasting water on these, water efficient crops such as lentils, peas, cabbages and watermelon
should be cultivated. The rest of the required demand of Sugar and Rice should be fulfilled via
imports. This will also prevent the illegal sugar exports (evident from sugar mafia) that caused a
chaos this year (Sugar scandal 2020).
Water technology should be introduced: Watchtower Robotics, which saves water by detecting
pipeline leaks with robots. Veracet, which uses DNA testing to find the source of water
contamination. Aqua Membranes, which uses 3D printing technology to reduce energy use and
increase the output of desalination by up 50%.

Critical Analysis (use the Pros and Cons of IWT, Use Critical analysis of
global water crisis and use the Future trajectories and develop your own
narrative and final stance on this issue).
List of Water Supply Systems in
Pakistan
Headworks:
Name Province
Munda Headwork KP

Head Balloki Punjab

Khanki Headwork Punjab

Marala Headwork Punjab

Panjanad Headwork Punjab

Qadirabad Headwork Punjab

Sindhnai Headwork Punjab

Sulemanki Headwork Punjab

Mailsi Headwork Punjab

Islam Headwork Punjab

Mohammad wala Headwork Punjab

Barrages:
Name Province

Chashma Barrage Punjab

Islam Barrage Punjab

Jinnah Barrage Punjab

Rasul Barrage Punjab

Taunsa Barrage Punjab

Trimmu Barrage Punjab

Ghazi Barotha Barrage Punjab

Guddu Barrage Sindh

Kotri Barrage Sindh

Sukkur Barrage Sindh

Other Dams:
Azad Kashmir
Name Location/ Water Body Height Year of
nearest city completion
Mangla Dam Mirpur District Jhelum River 453 ft. 1967

Neelam-Jhelum Dam Muzaffarabad District Neelam River 154 ft. 2018

Baluchistan
Name Location/ Water Body Height Year of
nearest city completion

Akra Kaur Dam Gwadar Akra Kaur River 69 ft. 1995

Amach Dam Mastung Amach River 50 ft. 1987

Band-e-Chaman Dam Turbat Band-e- 49 ft. 1994

Chaman
River

Hingi Dam Quetta Hingi 49 ft. 1995–96

Hub Dam Malir Hub River 157 ft. 1979

Khad Koocha Dam Mastung Kad Koocha River 50 ft. 1984

Khajeer Dam Qila Saifullah Khajeer River 49 ft. 1991

Mana Storage Dam Ziarat Mana River 65 ft. 1961

Mangi Dam Ziarat Boin Viala River 59 ft. 1982

Mirani Dam Makran Dasht River 128 ft. 2006

Naulong Dam Jhal Magsi Mula River 186 ft. 2015

Nishpa Dam Mastung Nishpa River 49 ft. 1994

Pinakai Dam Qila Saifullah Pinakai River 50 ft. 1994

Sabakzai Dam Zhob Zhob River 114 ft. 2007

Sasnak Mana Storage Ziarat Sasnak River 62 ft. 1993

Dam
Shadak Dam Pishin Shadak River 50 ft. 1983

Shiker Dam Pishin Shiker River 62 ft. 1988

Spinkarez Dam Quetta Nar 95 ft. 1945

River and
Murdar River

Tabai Dam Quetta Tabai River 49 ft. 1994

Tangi Dam Qila Saifullah Tangi River 50 ft. 1997

Tooth Dam Kalat Tooth River 52 ft. 1991

Under Base Dam Qila Saifullah Under Base River 50 ft. 1985

Walitangi Dam Quetta Walitangi River 79 ft. 1961

Gilgit-Baltistan
Name Location/ Water Body Height Year of completion
nearest city
Satpara Dam Skardu Satpara 128 ft. 2013

Bunji Dam Bunji Indus 620 ft.

Islamabad Capital
Name Location/ Water Body Height Year of completion
nearest city
Rawal Dam Islamabad Capital Korang River 133.5 ft. 1962
Territory

Simly Dam Islamabad Capital Soan River 80.7 ft. 1983

Territory

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Name Location/ Water Body Height Year of
nearest city completion
Dandy Dam Miranshah 82 ft. 2011

Dargai Pal Dam Wana 98 ft. 2008

Gomal Zam Dam Wana 436 ft. 2012

Allai Khwar[11] Battagram Allai Khwar River 167 ft. 2012

Jalozai Barani Dam Nowshehra Pabbi N/A 243 ft. 2015

Auxiliary Kandar Dam Kohat Dargai Algad River 75 ft. 2004

Aza Khel Dam Peshawar N/A 75 ft. 2004

Baran Dam Bannu Baran River 79 ft. 1962

Chaatri Dam Haripur Nain Sukh River 85 ft. 1971

Chanda Fateh Khan Kohat N/A 82 ft. 2004

Dam

Changhoz Dam Karak Changhoz River 141 ft. 2007

Darwazai Dam Kohat Sodal Algada River 49 ft. 1976

Gandially Dam Kohat Taru Algada River 72 ft. 2002

Kahal Dam Hazara Kahal River 72 ft. 1971

Kandar Dam Kohat Dargai Algada 89 ft. 1970

River

Khal Dam Haripur Khal Kass River 75 ft. 1972

Khan Khwar Besham, Shangla Khan Khwar River 151 ft. 2012

Khanpur Dam Haripur Haro River 167 ft. 1985

Mang Dam Haripur Haro River 52 ft. 1970

Naryab Dam Hangu Naryab River 105 ft. 2006

Warsak Dam Peshawar Kabul River 220 ft. 1960

Zaibi Dam Karak Zaibi Algad River 82 ft. 1997

Tanda Dam Kohat Kohat River 115 ft. 1967

Tarbela Ghazi Indus River 344 ft. 1974

(Auxiliary-1
Dam)

Tarbela Ghazi Indus River 220 ft. 1974

(Auxiliary-2
Dam)
Tarbela Dam Haripur Indus River 470 ft. 1976

Duber Khwar Pattan, Kohistan Khan Khwar River 320.1 ft. 2013

Punjab
Name Location/ Water Body Height Year of completion
nearest city
Ghazi Barotha Dam Ghazi District Haripur, Indus River 2003
Pakistan

Gurab Dam

Haji Shah Dam Attock, Punjab Sil river 72 ft. 2013-14

Jabbi Dam

Jamal Dam

Jammargal Dam

Jawa Dam Dhalla, Rawalpindi Jawa River 82 ft. 1994

District

Jurash Dam

Kahuta Dam

Kanjoor Dam

Khasala Dam

Lehri Dam

Mailsi Dam

Mirwal Dam

Misriot Dam

Namal Dam Mianwali District

Karot Dam Punjab

Nirali Dam

Qibla Bandi Dam

Rati Kassi Dam

Salial Dam
Shahpur Dam

Shakardara Dam

Tain Pura Dam

Dhok Sandy Mar

Dam

Dhok Tahlian Dam Chakwal

Dungi Dam

Bhugtal Dam

Channi Bor Dam

Chbla Bano Dam

Chichali Dam

Sindh
Name Location/ Impounds Height Year of completion
nearest city
Darawat Dam Jamshoro District Nari Baran River 141 ft. 2014

Chotiari Dam Sanghar District Nara Canal (Indus 86 ft. 2002

River)

Nai Gaj Dam Kirthar Mountains Nai Gaj river 194 ft. 2019

PAST PAPERS
PAK AFFAIRS
∙ 'The twentieth century witnessed the war for oil. The twenty-first century will witness the war
for water'. Examine the practical implications of this statement on situation of Pakistan.
(2013) (P.A)
∙ Critically analyze the key causes of delaying construction of dams in Pakistan. Give some
suggestions to revert this collateral loss. (2019) (P.A)

CURRENT AFFAIRS
∙ Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India and Pakistan in perspective of water
management projects in Indian held Kashmir. (2014) (C.A)
 ∙ Doyou believe that main cause of 2014 floods was Indian ‘water terrorism’ or it was due to
awful mismanagement of water resources in Pakistan? (2015) (C.A)
∙ What will be the reason of emerging water conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan? (2019)
(C.A)
∙ What impact global climate change will have on the water resources of Pakistan? How will it
affect inter-provincial harmony? (2020) (C.A)

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
∙ Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India and Pakistan in perspective of Indus
Water Treaty. (2017) (I.R 2)
LINKS
http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/water-availability-in-pakistan/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dams_and_reservoirs_in_Pakistan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_barrages_and_headworks_in_Pakistan
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/251191548275645649/pdf/133964-WP-PUBLIC-ADD-SERIES-22-1-
2019- 18-56-25-W.pdf
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cape-town-water-crisis-day-zero-overflowing-dams/
https://dailytimes.com.pk/666539/water-crisis-a-bigger-threat-than-terrorism/
https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/panorama/how-energyefficient-technologies-can-help-us-solve-20201013
https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/29072/in-iraq-water-crisis-deepens-threatening-the-country-s-future
https://transboundarywaters.science.oregonstate.edu/sites/transboundarywaters.science.oregonstate.edu/files/Publica
tions/Rees%2C%20G%202010%20-
%20The%20Role%20of%20Power%20and%20Institutions%20in%20Hydrodiplomacy.pdf
https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/resources/SR261%20-%20Hydropolitics_in_Pakistan's%20_Indus_Basin.pdf

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