Karachi Water Crisis Deepens as Tanker Mafia Expands Illegal Hydrants
Karachi’s Karachi water crisis continues to worsen as new allegations surface. PDP chief Altaf Shakoor said the “tanker mafia” steals nearly 30 percent of the city’s water. In addition, he accused powerful political actors and a complicit bureaucracy of protecting illegal hydrants.
Shakoor urged the chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court to take suo motu notice. He said the issue affects millions of people. Therefore, he called it a national-level emergency.
Illegal Hydrants and Rising Shortages
Shakoor explained that Karachi needs 1,200 million gallons daily. The city receives only 550 to 600 MGD. As a result, residents already struggle with severe shortages.
He said the tanker mafia profits from engineered scarcity. Illegal hydrants divert massive amounts of water. In addition, he warned that these operations strengthen because authorities look the other way.
Shakoor also pointed out the absence of major new projects for decades. The population keeps growing, and the gap widens each year. He said the situation will worsen without bold decisions.
Failing Infrastructure and Delayed Projects
The PDP chief criticized Karachi’s ageing water system. He said leakages and broken pipelines waste nearly 45 percent of supply. Power outages at pumping stations create further disruptions. Therefore, the city loses water even before it reaches homes.
Shakoor expressed frustration over delays in the K-IV project. The plan could add 650 MGD to Karachi’s supply. However, political disputes and design flaws continue to stall progress.
He also highlighted unregulated groundwater extraction. Industries and housing societies run private bore wells. As a result, the city’s aquifer keeps shrinking at a dangerous pace.
