Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced the initiation of a USD 1.6 billion World Bank-supported program to enhance Karachi’s water supply system. The project, part of Phase-2 operational upgrades, aims to improve efficiency and expand water distribution infrastructure. Speaking during an inspection of the Hub Canal rehabilitation and construction projects, Shah highlighted the importance of on-site evaluations for better understanding project progress.
He stated that Karachi’s water scarcity is a pressing issue being addressed through comprehensive initiatives, including the Rs. 12.76 billion Hub Canal project funded entirely by the Sindh government.
The Hub Canal initiative includes constructing a new canal, restoring the existing one, and upgrading pumping stations to expand capacity from 80 MGD to 100 MGD. Accompanied by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and other officials, the chief minister expressed optimism about the project’s completion by December 2025, ensuring additional water supply for the city’s West and Keamari districts.
Murad Ali Shah emphasized the Sindh government’s dedication to self-reliant development, citing successful provincial projects completed without federal assistance.
He criticized the delayed Jamshoro-to-Sehwan road project, despite Sindh contributing half the funds, contrasting it with the province’s independently completed initiatives. Addressing concerns about Sindh’s water rights, Shah underscored the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s vocal advocacy.
He highlighted the ongoing efforts of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari to secure Sindh’s fair share of water resources, despite challenges. Commenting on the protests in Karachi, Shah acknowledged the right to peaceful demonstration but condemned public disruptions.
He detailed the government’s efforts to clear eight out of twelve protest sites while engaging in dialogue to resolve issues amicably. Regarding the humanitarian crisis in Parachinar, Shah described the situation as dire, with shortages of food and medicine.
He emphasized that while Sindh is providing assistance, the root issues lie in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and require urgent attention there. Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing key challenges such as water supply and infrastructure development. He urged citizens to support government initiatives, expressing optimism for a prosperous 2025. “Sindh’s journey of progress will continue,” he stated, highlighting the provincial government’s determination under PPP leadership.
