by Sadia Gulzar
Over the past month, heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan have not only caused deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure, including the water supply system, but have also displaced hundreds of people and created multiple public health challenges. Among the most pressing issues are severe water shortages and a rise in waterborne diseases.
Recent reports indicate that hundreds of people, including women and children under the age of five have been the most affected by these diseases. A government spokesperson stated that hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, particularly in Diamer, Shigar, Skardu, Astore, Ghizer and Gilgit — the hardest -hit districts. Most patients are presenting with gastroenteritis, largely caused by consumption of unsafe water.
According to the health department reports, children under the age of five rapidly contract water-borne diseases including cholera, typhoid and pneumonia. In Danyore city, 90,000 residents are deprived of tap water for over two months now. Their orchards, crops and have dried. Frustrated by the apathy of the government, they started restoration work on a main water pipeline on their own and lost eight precious lives.
Health secretary said recently the acute diarrhea cases this month reached to 3,321 across Gilgit-Baltistan. Of the total cases, 607 are from Skardu, 440 from Diamer, 486 from Astore, 428 from Ghanche, 267 from Ghizer, 258 in Gilgit, 64 in Hunza, 205 in Kharmang, 220 in Nagar and 346 in Shigar.
Likewise, 565 pneumonia cases were reported in children under 5 the highest cases of 199 were from Diamer, 101 from Ghizer, 34 from Astore, 82 from Gilgit, Ghanche had 57, Hunza had two, Nagar 10 and Skardu reported 80 cases. Additionally, health department also reported the total of 56 cholera cases. From which 7 in Diamer, 5 in Ghanche, 13 in Ghizer, 17 in Nagar, 8 in Gilgit, 5 in Kharmang and one in Skardu.
Moreover, 272 cases of typhoid fever were reported according to the official. Out of them 140 from Astore, 80 from Diamer, 30 from Gilgit and its suburbs, 11 from Ghizer, 8 from Nager, two from Hunza and one from Ghanche.
Alarmingly, 18 hepatitis cases also have been detected. Eight cases were reported from Astore, seven from Nager, and three from Hunza district. The report says a total of 400 cases of influenza were also found. Among them 133 – the highest number — from Gilgit. It also showed acute respiratory infections cases reached to 202. Of which 65 from Astore District, 49 from Diamer Division, 43 from Skardu District and five from Ghizer District.
Are spring waters safe for consumption?
There is a common misconception that natural springs are always beneficial to health, but this is not entirely true. Some spring waters contain extremely high concentrations of minerals, some of which can be hazardous for consumption.
In 2016 a cross-sectional study conducted by the Department of Environmental Science at the Karakoram University analyzed 18 water samples, collected in triplicates, and found concentrations of cadmium, lead, and iron that, although within WHO guidelines, still raised concerns.
The highest concentration of E. coli, and nitrate were detected in Barkolti valley and Barsat springs. The mean value of E. coli level in Barkolti spring was 1.08 cfu ± 0.45 cfu while Barsat spring recorded 2.11 cfu ± 0.56 cfu. These findings indicate the heightened risk of diarrheal diseases, including dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis, particularly during the summer season.
Despite of physicochemical and microbes, large population of people still believed that the spring possesses curative properties. For instance, the copper concentration in Barkolti spring was 0.2 ± 0.03 milligram per litre (mg/L) while concentrations of other elements such as cadmium copper and iron in both springs were found fall within WHO guideline limits.
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In 2020, 17 water samples were collected from Shigar valley located along the Shigar River. The study revealed that chemical pollutants and heavy metals significantly affect water quality. Tests detected copper, arsenic, lead, iron, zinc and harmful bacteriological parameters many of which failed to meet WHO standards.
A 2022 study conducted in Gilgit Baltistan, analysed 66 water samples from springs. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in 20% of the simples exceeded the WHO guidelines while 21% of samples were free from detectable metals. Alarmingly, 23% samples from Skardu, 15% from Nager, 15 % from Hunza and 8% from Ghizer and Diamer exceeded Pakistan’s Standards for Drinking Water Quality with aluminum being the most prominent contaminant.
In 2025 a total of 68 representative drinking water samples were collected from Nager and Hunza districts. The tests revealed high levels of carcinogens and heavy metals primarily originating from spring water sources. Such contamination found in drinking water not only exacerbates waterborne diseases but also causes severe health consequences, including cancer and developmental disabilities in children.
Research indicates that prolonged exposure to these pollutants can impair kidney and brain function and contribute to serious neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
According to World Health Organization reports of 2021, two billion people live in water deprived countries which worsen as a result of climate change-induced calamities. It badly affects the heath of people facing climate issues especially children. Out of 20.5 million children under 5 in Pakistan, 71.6% live in rural areas. Of them only 24.9% children have access to tap water, 15.5% children have sewage connection with sewerage system, around 69.9% of children are at high risk of poor water sanitation.
Every year, around half a million Pakistani children suffer from diarrhea, and approximately 54,000 deaths occur annually among children under five owing to poor sanitation.
Gilgit-Baltistan despite being a natural water hub, providing water to most of Pakistan’s freshwater, faces an alarming drinking water crisis. The region’s residents often have no alternative but to fetch water from open streams, as clean tap water is unavailable. Many cannot afford bottled water or branded filtred water, leaving them vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
Government negligence has repeatedly put lives at risk. Recently, eight people lost their lives in Danyore Nullah while attempting to clear flood-damaged channels. This raises a pressing question: Does the government truly lack funds to provide necessities, such as safe drinking water, in a region rich in natural resources?
Instead of addressing essential needs, significant funds appear to be diverted toward luxuries and security for the elite, with some officials travelling with five or six guards and luxury vehicles, even in one of Pakistan’s safest regions. This misallocation of resources reflects a troubling set of priorities.
Adding to the crisis, Gilgit-Baltistan is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Yet, it remains unclear whether the region is adequately included in Pakistan’s climate change budgeting and planning.
In these days people of Gilgit-Baltistan are experiencing health risks, mental stress, and systemic neglect to cope with the situation. To alleviate this suffering, the government must prioretise access to clean water, repair and restore damaged supply lines, and ensure that the health sector is fully functional. Immediate action is needed to reduce preventable diseases and restore dignity to the marginalised people.
Sadia Gulzar, a student from Yasin Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, is currently pursuing her BScN at Ziauddin University, Karachi. With a passion for writing, she focuses on health-related issues, reflecting her enthusiasm for promoting wellness and awareness.
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