Islamabad 14 August: Pakistan’s water reservoirs are currently holding well above-average levels, with Tarbela Dam at 96 percent capacity, marking a significant improvement from seasonal lows typically seen earlier in the year, Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo told the National Assembly.
Responding to lawmakers’ queries during the question hour, Wattoo said that while dams like Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma usually hit their lowest levels for two months each year, the trend has reversed this season.
According to official figures, Mangla Dam is at 64 percent capacity and Chashma Barrage at 83 percent, pushing the national water storage average to around 75 percent.
The minister credited improved management and favorable inflows for the higher levels, adding that the government is closely monitoring water reserves amid growing concerns about global and domestic water scarcity. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally overseeing efforts, with high-level meetings held every third day to review new storage projects and long-term solutions for both irrigated and rain-fed regions.
READ MORE: Water Levels in Three Dams Hit Dangerously Low
On water sharing among provinces, Wattoo reaffirmed that allocations are made strictly in line with the 1991 Water Accord, with each province receiving its defined share to manage independently.
To bolster transparency, a telemetry system is being installed to provide real-time monitoring of water flows to provinces. “If any province believes it is receiving less water than allocated, they are welcome to present evidence. If deliberate reductions are proven, strict action will be taken,” the minister assured.
Water Storage Snapshot – August 2025
| Dam/Barrage | Designed Capacity (MAF) | Current Storage (MAF) | % Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarbela Dam | 9.7 | 9.31 | 96% |
| Mangla Dam | 7.39 | 4.73 | 64% |
| Chashma Barrage | 0.87 | 0.72 | 83% |
| National Average | — | — | ~75% |
(MAF = Million Acre-Feet)
