Pakistan and the Price of Progress

Pakistan continues to worry the international community; in addition to its civil unrest, environmental problems continue to plague the country.  In addition to its energy and fuel shortages, fresh-drinking water is also on the decline.  When large, poor populations and global climate change collide, disasters like that in Pakistan are both shocking and saddening.  Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world and in addition to water needs for human consumption, Pakistan's agriculture economy is in a very vulnerable state.  The Indus river, a 2000 mile long water-way spotted with canals and hydroelectric power stations, is at the cornerstone of Pakistan's livelihood and is just as potent in times of ecological crisis.  Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been dealing with political issues within the state and among the international community; a water crisis, on top of other natural resource crises, is the cherry on top of the Sundae.  Link