Karachi Water Theft Unit Faces ‘Awan Misconduct Row’ After RO Plant Owner’s Complaint
A new Awan misconduct row has sparked concern across Karachi. A local RO filtration plant owner accused police officials of extortion and harassment. He claimed officers targeted him after he refused to pay bribes.
Waqas Malik operates an RO filtration plant in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. He received a valid Sindh Food Authority license in 2023. In addition, he applied for a bore water permit under the 2024 regulations. However, Malik said officials continued pressuring him for illegal payments.
The businessman submitted written complaints to the IG Sindh and senior police officers. Furthermore, he accused Water Corporation police station SHO Mazhar Iqbal Awan of misusing authority. Malik alleged that some Water Corporation officials also supported the actions against him. As a result, police registered a water theft FIR against him.
Questions Raised Over FIR
Police included charges under Section 2/39 in the FIR. Officers alleged that Malik operated an illegal water theft business. However, Malik strongly denied the accusation. He argued that his filtration plant never used illegal Water Corporation supply lines.
According to Malik, the law only applies to direct theft through unauthorized connections. Therefore, he believes authorities wrongly used the law against him. He also described the FIR as false and baseless. In addition, he demanded an impartial inquiry into the entire matter.
Public Concern Continues to Grow
The controversy has triggered debate among Karachi residents. Many citizens already question water management practices in the city. Therefore, these allegations have further damaged public trust.
Critics argue that anti-water theft units should protect public resources fairly. Instead, they fear some officials misuse power for personal benefit. Meanwhile, residents now await a response from senior authorities.
The case has also highlighted broader concerns about transparency and accountability in Karachi’s water sector. As a result, many people are calling for stricter oversight and independent investigations.
