KARACHI: A severe water crisis has gripped multiple areas of Karachi, leaving citizens desperate as tap water supply remains suspended for days—and in some cases, weeks. Taking advantage of the shortage, the water tanker mafia has reportedly hiked prices by up to 200%.
According to details reported by ARY News, the water suspension has hit various localities hard. In North Karachi, the supply has been suspended for the last 27 days, while North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, and New Karachi have had no water for the past 15 days. Various blocks of Azizabad are facing a suspension for the last 10 days, and residents in Korangi, Landhi, and Ibrahim Haideri have been cut off for the last 5 days. Furthermore, residents in several blocks of Gulshan-e-Iqbal are facing severe distress due to this acute shortage.
The Tanker Mafia Exploitation
With official pipelines running dry, residents have been forced to rely on private water tankers. Sources report that the tanker mafia has capitalized on the misery of citizens, skyrocketing their rates by 200%, leaving low- and middle-income families in a tough spot.
Official Stance & Pipeline Damage
The crisis initially escalated following a major pipeline burst on March 29. According to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), the pipeline was suddenly damaged during the water supply routine to Baldia Town. Technical teams were deployed immediately to supervise the situation and begin the dewatering process. Management assured that formal repair work would commence on an emergency basis as soon as dewatering was complete.
While the corporation previously claimed that water supply to the rest of the city (excluding Baldia Town) was functioning normally, the ground reality across North Karachi, Gulshan, and Korangi tells a different story. KWSC has stated that scheduled supply will be restored as soon as the repair works are finalized.
