QUETTA: Nearly 70 per cent of Balochistan continues to face drought conditions, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting below-normal monsoon rainfall across most parts of the province, intensifying concerns over water scarcity, agricultural losses and mounting pressure on the livestock sector.
According to the PMD, this year’s monsoon activity is expected to remain largely restricted to the eastern and northeastern districts, while central, western, southern and southwestern regions are likely to receive considerably less rainfall than usual.
The department has forecast isolated rain and thunderstorms in Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Sohbatpur, Dera Bugti and adjoining areas. However, districts including Quetta, Chagai, Noshki, Kharan, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, Gwadar, Kila Abdullah, Pishin, Mastung, Kalat and Khuzdar are expected to experience below-average precipitation during the current monsoon season.
Meteorological officials said persistent rainfall shortages over recent months, combined with unusually high temperatures, have aggravated drought conditions across the province. Declining groundwater levels, along with the drying of traditional kareez systems, natural springs and small water reservoirs, have further heightened concerns over water availability.
Environmental and agricultural experts warned that the prolonged dry spell poses a significant challenge to Balochistan’s agriculture-driven economy, where farming and livestock provide livelihoods for a large segment of the population. They cautioned that insufficient rainfall could reduce crop production, worsen fodder shortages and limit water supplies for livestock.
Experts also noted that forests, natural rangelands and biodiversity are likely to come under increasing environmental stress as dry weather persists. Rural communities may face growing difficulties in accessing safe drinking water, resulting in greater reliance on water tanker services in several drought-affected areas.
The PMD observed that although scattered rainfall is anticipated in parts of eastern and northeastern Balochistan, it is unlikely to provide substantial relief from the widespread drought. The department described the expected monsoon activity as limited and insufficient to reverse the prevailing dry conditions across most districts.
Agricultural specialists have advised farmers to conserve available water resources, cultivate crops requiring less water and adopt efficient irrigation methods, including drip and sprinkler systems, to reduce water losses and improve productivity.
They also urged the provincial government to implement emergency drought relief measures, expedite the construction of water reservoirs, expand rainwater harvesting initiatives and extend financial assistance and fodder support to affected farmers and livestock owners.
Highlighting the growing impact of climate change, experts warned that droughts in Balochistan are becoming more frequent and severe. They stressed that sustained investment in water conservation, afforestation, rainwater storage and modern irrigation infrastructure is essential to strengthen the province’s resilience against future water crises.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has advised farmers, the public and relevant institutions to remain updated on weather forecasts and adopt effective water conservation practices to mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought.
