While referring to natural resources people often say that Pakistan is a rich country in terms of resources, which is usually misinterpreted and taken as unlimited. The demands of the rapid population growth are overlooked; we keep saying the population is 180 million which was a figure given a long time ago. Pakistan is the sixth most populated country in the world with an alarming increase of its population since the last census was conducted. Our citizens lack awareness about the judicious use of natural resources both at domestic and commercial levels. And the institutions have failed to monitor it or launch awareness campaigns. 
Water has been and continues to be an issue over which the nation has fought wars with the neighboring country. It is being misused without realizing the fear of its scarcity in the near future. On the other hand, natural sources like lakes, rivers and canals are used as dumping grounds for industrial and household waste. The few dams we have are experiencing a drastic decrease in capacity as they are silting up. Natural resources are a gift of nature but it seems we are totally un mindful of the value of this gift. As they say, never look a gift horse in the mouth.
TAJ NABI,
Islamabad, January 1.