Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Chief, Munem Zafar Khan, Munim Zafar Khan, has called on the Sindh government and the mayor to urgently address the severe water crisis plaguing the city. Speaking about the critical water shortage affecting areas like Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, North Karachi, New Karachi, Orangi Town, Lyari, Landhi, and Korangi, Khan condemned the failure of the Sindh government, the mayor, and the Water Corporation to provide water to the residents. Highlighting the dire situation, Khan pointed out that if the K-IV water project, initiated in 2005 during the tenure of former City Nazim Naimatullah Khan, had been completed on time, Karachi would not be facing such a severe water crisis today.
He criticized Murtaza Wahab, the chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, for not taking effective action beyond mere rhetoric. Khan expressed deep concern over the intense heat and the resultant acute water scarcity, which has left citizens desperate for even a drop of water. He noted that the crisis has led to widespread protests by both residents and elected local representatives.
Khan warned that if the situation is not brought under control, it could escalate into a serious law and order issue, for which the government and administration would be responsible. Khan emphasized that the ongoing water shortages are causing immense mental and physical distress among the population, leading to anger and frustration. Residents are forced to buy expensive water from tankers while watching these tankers being filled at water hydrants. This visible disparity is fueling public outrage.
He specifically mentioned that many areas, including New Karachi, North Karachi Sector 7-D, North Nazimabad, Baldia Town, Keamari, Landhi, Korangi, Orangi Town, and Lyari, lack access to drinking water. The water allocated to Karachi is either insufficient or is siphoned off by the tanker mafia and water thieves, often with official collusion. Khan criticized the Pakistan People’s Party, which has been in power in Sindh for 16 years, for failing to resolve the water issue despite having control over the provincial budget and city institutions.
He questioned why the K-IV project remains incomplete despite numerous ground-breaking ceremonies. Adding to the residents’ woes, Khan pointed out the heavy electricity bills and unjust taxes burdening the people, while the Water Corporation plans to increase water bills. He argued that with the current water shortages, any increase in water bills is unjustifiable.
He mentioned that while the annual increase in water bills is typically 9%, under the mayor’s chairmanship, the Water Corporation aims to increase it by 30%, which is unacceptable. The urgency to address Karachi’s water crisis before it spirals out of control is clear. Munim Zafar Khan’s call for immediate action underscores the pressing need for effective and prompt measures by the Sindh government and local authorities.
