Severe Drought Hits Panjgur, Rakhshan River Dries Up; Residents Facing Water Crisis

Panjgur: Panjgur district is grappling with a severe drought as rainfall has been absent for the past two to three years. The **Rakhshan River** has completely dried up, and all minor irrigation channels have ceased to flow. Prolonged drought has also affected traditional **karez systems** and common wells, leaving residents struggling to access water.

Most public water supply systems under the **Public Health Department** are non-functional, despite the government releasing millions of rupees annually to maintain them. Locals claim that these funds are often lost to corruption and mismanagement.

Community sources revealed that political parties and NGOs have prioritized water access for influential individuals, further lowering underground water levels and causing more karez systems to dry up. Experts warn that if immediate measures are not taken, Panjgur residents may be forced to **migrate due to acute water shortages**.