Policy Interventions for the Sustainable Management of Industrial and Agricultural Water Pollution in Pakistan

1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
2. Department of Engineering Management, Guglielmo Marconi University, Italy
3. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
4. School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East London, Docklands Campus, University Way, London, UK
5. Oxford Business College, Macclesfield House, New Road, Oxford, UK
Email: 2018ag3898@uaf.edu.pk (N.Z.); Tayyabshafi@outlook.com (M.T.S.); aliasadmuhammad0308@gmail.com (M.A.A.); nabilamansha05@gmail.com (N.M.); f.inam@uel.ac.uk (F.I.)
*Corresponding author
Manuscript received July 2, 2025; accepted August 1, 2025; published August 6, 2025

Abstract—Water pollution is a critical environmental challenge in Pakistan, driven primarily by industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and inadequate wastewater treatment. This article explores the key contributors to water contamination, including heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and nutrient-rich runoff from sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and e-waste. The cumulative impact of these pollutants poses severe risks to aquatic ecosystems, public health, and biodiversity. Focusing on Pakistan’s specific context, the study recommends a multi-pronged policy framework involving the enforcement of stringent industrial effluent standards, promotion of integrated and sustainable agricultural practices, and the development of wastewater treatment infrastructure. These measures, supported by real-time monitoring systems and public awareness campaigns, aim to reduce pollution loads and ensure long-term water security. Effective implementation of these policies through collaboration between government, industries, and local communities can lead to measurable improvements in water quality and availability, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Pakistan’s water resources.

Keywords—water pollution, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment, environmental policy, sustainable water management, heavy metals, aquatic ecosystems, public health

Cite: Noor Zulfiqar, Muhammad Tayyab Shafi, Muhammad Asad Ali, Nabila Mansha, and Fawad Inam, "Policy Interventions for the Sustainable Management of Industrial and Agricultural Water Pollution in Pakistan," International Journal of Sustainability in Energy and Environment, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 63-69, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited ( CC-BY-4.0).