Pakistan Viral Video: After Indus Water Treaty Suspension, Pakistanis Face Acute Water Shortage, Hina Bayat Shares Karachi Airport Woes

A viral video from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport has sparked widespread outrage after renowned Pakistani actress and social activist Hina Bayat highlighted a shocking lapse in public infrastructure: no water in the airport washrooms.

The video, which surfaced on social media on May 25, shows Bayat visibly frustrated as she documents the non-availability of water for passengers at one of Pakistan’s most important international gateways. The clip has not only triggered a debate on social media but also drawn attention to Pakistan’s worsening water crisis and fragile civic administration.

‘Shameful Condition at an International Airport’

"People come here from all over the world. What impression are we giving? No water in the toilets, no soap in dispensers, nothing! This is a health hazard," Hina Bayat says in the video. Her message is direct, emotional, and alarming.

Passengers are seen struggling inside the terminal, and reports suggest this is not a one-off incident. Multiple travelers have previously taken to social media to report similar grievances – broken toilets, lack of cleaning staff, dysfunctional air-conditioning, and now, no running water.

Netizens Erupt: 'What Kind of Development Is This?'

Social media platforms exploded with responses. Indian and Pakistani users alike slammed the country's administration, asking how such a critical lapse could happen in a facility meant to represent the nation on the global stage.

One user wrote:

"Pakistan talks of CPEC and 5G, but can't ensure water in airport bathrooms? How low have we fallen?"

Another sarcastically commented:

"Is this the Naya Pakistan we were promised?"

Many Indians, citing recent Indo-Pak tensions, linked the incident with India's decision to halt the Indus Water Treaty, arguing that Pakistan is now facing the early consequences of overdependence and lack of water management.

Deeper Crisis: Pakistan’s Looming Water Emergency

Experts believe the problem goes far beyond an airport. Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a water-scarce nation, with per capita water availability dropping below critical levels.

Reasons cited include:

Overexploitation of groundwater

Lack of investment in water recycling and conservation

Rapid urbanization without infrastructure upgrades

Poor governance and corruption

The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, has so far shielded Pakistan from complete water dependency on internal sources. However, with India now reconsidering the treaty, and Pakistan lacking contingency planning, such urban failures are likely to worsen.