PESHAWAR: Groundwater levels in Peshawar Valley are declining at an alarming rate, with experts warning that unchecked extraction, rapid urbanization and population growth could worsen the region’s water crisis in the coming years.
Research suggests that groundwater level declines in some areas of Peshawar by one meter or more each year; and the average decline rate in the valley in the past three decades is estimated to be around 6.5 meters.
It is believed by the experts that these factors are causing such decline due to the increasing demands on water, urbanization without planning, and the use of tube wells for various purposes including agriculture, domestic, and commercial. In the adjoining district of Nowshera, it is reported that groundwater level decline is taking place at a much faster rate of 1.3 meters per year.
Apart from the declining level of water in the underground layers, experts have also expressed their worries about the deteriorating quality of the water. A study conducted in 2019 suggested that more than 45 percent groundwater sample is not safe for drinking purposes.
Water resource experts have appealed for the implementation of a holistic system for groundwater monitoring, compulsory registration of tube wells, increased adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques, and responsible use of water.
They have cautioned that, failing such measures, the area is likely to suffer from growing shortages of water in the coming years due to lack of any regulatory framework on groundwater abstraction and water usage policies.
Peshawar First to Get Free Public Wi-Fi Under New KP Initiative
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi on Friday officially inaugurated the KP Open Wi-Fi Project, a provincial initiative aimed at expanding free internet access at public locations and educational institutions.
Under the first phase of the project, free Wi-Fi services will be provided at major government hospitals and public transport facilities in Peshawar. The chief minister also announced plans to extend free internet access to all public universities and colleges across the province.
Officials said the initial rollout will cover key public locations in Peshawar before being expanded to divisional headquarters, including Abbottabad, Mardan, Swat, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan, in subsequent phases.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Afridi said the initiative aligns with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of expanding digital access and governance.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made significant progress toward digital governance, with nearly 70 to 80 percent of government functions moving in that direction,” he said, adding that the provincial government is gradually transitioning public services to a paperless system.
He said improved internet access could create employment and business opportunities for young people, particularly in the growing e-commerce sector.
“It is the state’s responsibility to provide youth with economic opportunities, and digital connectivity is an important part of that effort,” he said.
During his speech, Afridi highlighted the internet disruption in Pakistan, arguing that the slow-down or shutdown of internet services occurs to limit social media activities, which have adverse effects on youth and online businesses.
Further, Afridi alleged that people in the merged tribal districts lack access to basic telecommunication services such as mobile phone networks and called for better digital infrastructure in these regions.
On the issue of border trade with Afghanistan, the chief minister noted that restrictions on movement across borders negatively impact the livelihood of the people living in the tribal districts.
He also blamed the federal government for its poor economic policies and governance while reiterating that his government is dedicated to serving the people. He believes that 2026-27 will bring peace and prosperity to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
KP Open Wi-Fi Project is one of many initiatives of digital transformation being carried out by the provincial government.
