CM Links Heavy Rains to Climate Change Challenge: A Wake-Up Call for Karachi

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has strongly asserted that the heavy rains in Karachi are not an isolated event, but rather part of a global climate change challenge. Speaking to the media at Nursery, he emphasized that Pakistan, like the rest of the world, is facing the devastating consequences of extreme weather patterns.

Murad Shah referred to the floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, China, New York, and Houston, all of which underline how climate extremes are no longer regional but global disasters.

Karachi Rainfall Compared to Global Cities

Highlighting the city’s unusual rainfall, the Chief Minister revealed that Karachi received 160–170 millimeters in just 3–4 hours, and nearly 200 millimeters within 12 hours.

In comparison, Mumbai experiences similar rainfall events but has an annual average rainfall nearly ten times greater than Karachi. This contrast exposes Karachi’s limited preparedness and outdated infrastructure, which cannot cope with such torrential downpours.

📷 Image suggestion: Flooded streets of Karachi with alt text “CM links heavy rains to climate change challenge”

Administration’s Response to Torrential Rainfall

Despite the severity of the storm, Murad Shah praised the swift action of his administration. By late night, most floodwaters were cleared, unlike in 2020 when stagnant water persisted for more than 24 hours.

The CM personally monitored the city till midnight, ensuring drainage efforts were functional. While acknowledging shortcomings, he reassured citizens that disciplinary action would be taken against negligent officials.

Accountability, Media Responsibility, and Public Safety

The CM expressed concern over irresponsible media coverage, where some channels aired outdated flood footage, creating panic. He urged journalists to share real-time information to help citizens adopt safety measures.

He also emphasized that public cooperation is vital—residents should remain indoors during extreme rainfall to avoid traffic congestion and accidents.

World Bank Support and Water Infrastructure

Addressing the issue of funding and water systems, Shah confirmed that the World Bank allocated $1.6 billion for Karachi in 2020. So far, $100 million has been spent, mainly on restructuring the Karachi Water Board into the new Water Corporation, which now includes private sector expertise.

He rejected claims of mismanagement, clarifying that funds are disbursed in phases and that Rs28–30 billion has been transparently used for water infrastructure improvements.

External link suggestion: World Bank Projects in Pakistan

Road Damage and Call for Central Authority

Murad Shah criticized the fragmented road-cutting permissions issued by multiple agencies including KDA, KMC, and Cantonment Boards. This uncoordinated system leaves roads damaged and unrepaired after excavation.

To solve this recurring crisis, he proposed a Central Road Cutting Authority that would regulate and monitor all excavation work across Karachi.

Political Stakeholders and Urban Governance

The CM pointed out that political divisions worsen Karachi’s challenges. He criticized some local representatives for inefficiency after the formation of town administrations.

Murad Shah appealed to all stakeholders, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s 13 town chairmen, to stop playing the blame game and work together for the welfare of citizens.

He also praised the Karachi Mayor for focusing on resource mobilization and practical efforts, rather than merely demanding funds.

Climate Change: A Global and Local Challenge

The CM’s remarks underline a harsh reality—climate change is amplifying extreme rainfall events not just in Pakistan, but across the world.

Karachi’s crisis mirrors the floods in New York and Houston, where urban drainage systems collapsed under unprecedented rainfall. This proves that climate change is not selective; it is a universal challenge requiring collective solutions.

Internal link suggestion: Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability Report

Conclusion: Building a Resilient Karachi

The statement by CM Murad Ali Shah that “CM links heavy rains to climate change challenge” should not be dismissed as political rhetoric—it is a wake-up call for Karachi.

The urgent need for modern drainage systems, transparent governance, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience cannot be overstated.

While the government, international donors, and private sector are stepping in, citizens too have a role—by following advisories, conserving resources, and supporting climate adaptation measures.

Karachi’s resilience will be tested again and again, but with accountability, planning, and unity, the city can transform from being climate-vulnerable to climate-resilient.

📷 Image suggestion: Sindh CM inspecting flood situation with alt text “CM links heavy rains to climate change challenge”