Time is of essence

Pakistan is at the verge of drought, according to the Global Land Outlooks report issued recently by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It is among the 23 countries of the world that are suffering from harsh and prolonged drought conditions, and, alarmingly, could become one of the first five water-scarce countries. The crucial fallout of the situation would be a severe food crisis threatening the national economic security and could propel political unrest.