Pakistan's scarce water can bring more value to people and economy: WB.

I S L A M A B A D -- Pakistan can get more economic, social and environmental benefits from its water, subject to urgent reforms to improve water use efficiency and service delivery, says a new report from the World Bank. The report, Pakistan: Getting More from Water, states that while Pakistan, the sixth most populous country in the world, is well-endowed with water, water availability per person is comparatively low. Water wastage is high and agricultural yields are low compared to most countries. Although climate change and transboundary issues are a significant hindrance for Pakistan's water sector, the greatest challenges and opportunities are internal, not external, to Pakistan. So, improving water-use efficiency and productivity, delivery of water services in cities and in irrigation, and addressing environmental sustainability are the most pressing needs, according to this new analysis.

'Water security in Pakistan is reaching a critical point that demands urgent attention and reform, ' said Illango Patchamuthu, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. 'Boosting irrigation productivity, while paying more attention to the social and environmental aspects of water management, is critical. This will require strong collaboration between federal and provincial governments and other stakeholders.

The objective...