{
  "id": 10344821,
  "title": "Country braces for 25pc Rabi water shortage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/country-braces-for-25pc-rabi-water-shortage",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-28T02:40:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn Business",
    "slug": "dawn-business",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2033149/country-braces-for-25pc-rabi-water-shortage"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan is anticipating a 25 percent water shortage during the upcoming Rabi season, starting this week, which could have significant implications for food security. The country's reservoir carryover has dropped below 9.5 million acre-feet (MAF), the lowest level since 2021. Last Rabi season saw a significant wheat shortfall of over two million tonnes, requiring the government to import one million tonnes of wheat. The technical committee of the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) will determine the water availability and distribution among provinces for the upcoming Rabi cropping season. The anticipated shortages may reignite tensions between Sindh and Punjab provinces, with Irsa seeking to allocate water under its three-tier formula.",
  "summary": "• Reservoir carryover falls below 9.5MAF, lowest since 2021 • Wheat crop faces added pressure after estimated shortfall last season • Irsa technical committee to finalise Rabi water availability, provincial shares • Three-tier water distribution formula may revive acrimony among traditional rivals Sindh, Punjab ISLAMABAD: After many years, Pakistan is bracing for a water shortage of around 25 per…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan expects 25% water shortage in upcoming Rabi season",
    "Reservoir carryover below 9.5 MAF, lowest since 2021",
    "Last Rabi had 2M ton wheat shortfall, requiring imports"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The expected water shortage will likely strain food security and may exacerbate tensions between provinces, particularly Sindh and Punjab, over water allocation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "Country braces for 25pc Rabi water shortage",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/country-braces-for-25pc-rabi-water-shortage-10345196",
        "published": "2026-09-28T02:40:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}