A critical analysis of legal responses to water pollution in Pakistan

• Published in: Cogent social sciences 2023-12, Vol.9 (2)
• Main Authors: Kiran, Ayesha, Murtiza, Ghulam, Yousaf, Amna, Hussain, Muzzamal, Al Jbawi, Entessar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: chemical compound; Climate change; economic disaster; Environmental degradation; Freshwater resources; Groundwater; growing population; Lakes; Natural environment; Regulation; Rivers; Scarcity; Water pollution; Water quality; Water supply
• ISSN: 2331-1886; 2331-1886
• DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2023.2254944

Water pollution faces an environmental crisis that makes water unhealthy or decreases the availability of water resources. Water pollution refers to the presence of dangerous chemical compounds and biological agents in water that may exceed certain compounds in water, which may endanger freshwater resources, human health, and the environment as well. Water is a necessary component for all living things to survive. Fresh water exists in the form of groundwater, lakes, and rivers. Apart from the physical scarcity of water, Pakistan is a country facing economic disaster. With the growing population, the pressure on the limited source of fresh water is increasing every day and the state of affairs is getting worse. Water quality and quantity are decreasing with the growing populace and due to climate change. In Pakistan, water quantity has decreased by 400 from 5,600 cubic meters in 1947 to 1,038 cubic meters in 2021. In these situations, water pollution is a threat to water resources. In this context, our study has been conducted to assess the national laws and regulations for water pollution prevention in Pakistan and to establish their extent and effectiveness. This study points out their flaws and barriers and offers potential solutions.