Better Water, Better Jobs – Envisioning a Sustainable Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is an arid to semi arid economy with low and variable rainfall. Water is a scarce resource and most of it is utilized in agriculture sector. The major water resource here is the sophisticated Indus Basin irrigation system, which irrigates more than 90 per cent of the country crops. Agriculture constitutes the largest part of Pakistan's economy, as majority of the population, directly or indirectly, depends on it. It contributes to 24 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounts for half of employed labour force, and is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings (Ministry of Finance 2015). These facts underline the importance of water for economic growth and employment. This policy brief aims to review the relation between water management and employment in Pakistan.