Opposition Slams Sindh Govt Over Karachi Water Crisis | Tanker Mafia Allegations Grow

The Karachi water crisis has reached a boiling point, sparking strong criticism from opposition parties against the Sindh government. Amid severe shortages, citizens face dry taps and are forced to rely on expensive water tankers. Allegations are now surfacing about the tanker mafia operating with political support and government complicity.

On Tuesday, both Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) issued stinging rebukes of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led provincial government for its alleged negligence, mismanagement, and failure to complete critical infrastructure projects.

JI Accuses Government of Collusion with Tanker Mafia

A JI delegation led by Karachi Emir Monem Zafar met with senior officials from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), including CEO Ahmad Ali Khan and COO Asadullah Khan. In the meeting, Zafar highlighted the breakdown of the city’s main supply lines, causing disruption for over 50% of residents.

“Karachi’s residents are suffering in the scorching heat with not even a drop of water in their taps,” said Monem Zafar.

Zafar accused the provincial authorities of facilitating water theft by allowing the tanker mafia to flourish. He pointed out that government-operated hydrants are actively filling private tankers in broad daylight.

Water Theft and Government Silence

According to JI, this isn’t mere negligence but active complicity in corruption. Zafar emphasized that if the K-IV project, initiated in 2005 during former Mayor Naimatullah Khan’s tenure, had been completed, Karachi would not be in its current state.

“The PPP has ruled Sindh for 17 years with complete control over city institutions and the budget — and still, not a single major water project like K-IV has been completed.”

MQM-P: Karachi is a City Without a Caretaker

Meanwhile, the MQM-P termed Karachi a “city without a caretaker,” slamming the Sindh government for leaving citizens to suffer.

Infrastructure in Shambles

“Roads are left dug up indefinitely under the guise of development,” the MQM-P statement read. “The K-IV project began with a few millions and has ballooned into a multibillion-rupee white elephant.”

They stressed that even after years and billions of rupees spent, not a single drop of water from the K-IV pipeline has reached the average citizen.

MQM-P’s lawmakers demanded federal intervention if the provincial government continues to show incompetence.

The K-IV Project: A Delayed Dream

The K-IV water project was envisioned as a lifeline for Karachi — aimed at supplying 650 million gallons of water per day. Two decades later, the project remains unfinished, bogged down by bureaucracy, poor planning, and alleged corruption.

Project Status (as of 2025):

• Launch Year: 2005
• Planned Capacity: 650 MGD
• Completion: Delayed multiple times
• Current Output: Zero MGD

This failure is being seen as a symbol of mismanagement, with both JI and MQM-P citing it as a primary cause of the current crisis.

Public Response: Suffering in the Heat

The citizens of Karachi, a city of more than 20 million, are the ones paying the price. With temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), neighborhoods like Korangi, Baldia Town, Orangi, and Landhi report taps running dry for weeks.

“We buy tankers for Rs 3,000 every few days. How can a laborer earning Rs 25,000 afford this?” – Abdul Qadir, a resident of Korangi.

Many are forced to wake up in the middle of the night to collect water from shared sources. Some neighborhoods are seeing protests and road blockades, demanding fair distribution.

Demand for Transparency and Immediate Action

Opposition parties have called for:

• A transparent water distribution system
• An audit of the KWSC
• An independent probe into the tanker mafia
• Speedy completion of K-IV
• Public involvement in planning and oversight

JI also offered its cooperation in resolving the issue through local representatives and community-based monitoring mechanisms.

Conclusion: Karachi’s Water Future in Jeopardy

The Karachi water crisis has evolved into not just a humanitarian emergency, but a governance failure. With opposition parties rallying public sentiment, the Sindh government faces increasing pressure to act — or risk losing its already dwindling credibility.

Unless urgent steps are taken to root out corruption, complete long-delayed projects, and ensure fair and equitable water distribution, Karachi’s future could be defined by water wars and civic unrest.

External and Internal References

External Links:

• Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC)
• K-IV Project Details – WAPDA

Internal Links:

• Latest Karachi News
• Sindh Governance Failures
• Urban Development in Pakistan