PROFITING WATER MISMANAGMENT: ARGUMENTATION ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL WATER POLICY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This paper is a critical discourse analysis and a critique of National Water Policy of Pakistan. It is argued that much cried water scarcity and emerging water crisis in Pakistan is more an issue of mismanagement of water resources and water distribution. Under the sway of neoliberal capitalist practices and subservience to international aid and regulatory bodies, Pakistani state officials are hiding their negligence and incapacities under the cover of climate change, population growth and urbanization. In order to commoditize water, the policymakers are framing strategically fortunate geographic location of Pakistan as a curse. Current studies about water resource management in Pakistan are silent about this aspect. Conducting critical discourse analysis as dialectical reasoning for the National Water Policy, this study highlights contradictions in policy statements, develops possible critique of arguments and provides counterarguments as a way of action for change. Policymakers have produced a patchwork in the name of comprehensive policy framework. Critical analysis reveals that this water policy is irrelevant to ground realities of Pakistan. The actual objective of the policy is to bring every drop of water under market-determined price mechanism and to create a real water crisis so that underpriced water becomes a high-priced commodity.