Karachi: A critical water crisis arrived in the city on Sunday when emergency repairs to the Hub channel cut the Karachi water supply from the Hub dam for an amazing 60 percent, immersing millions in a severe scarcity.
After the recent heavy monzón rains, significant erosion and damage have been reported on the hub channel within the jurisdiction of the Water and Energy Development Authority (WAPDA), said a statement issued by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC).
According to KWSC officials, the recent damage to the Hub channel did not occur in the Old Channel or New Hub. Instead, the damage took place in a stretch of eight kilometers that falls under the jurisdiction of Wapda.
They said that the section is fully administered by WAPDA, and after this stretch, the channel connects to the section supervised by the KWSC. The point at which the channel passes from Wapda to the KWSC control is known as the “zero point,” they said.
In an urgent movement to avoid greater destruction, the statement said that Wapda has drastically reduced the flow of the dam, sending shock waves through the city’s water distribution system.
KWSC says the city receives only 40 mgd instead of 100 mgd from the Hub dam
“Karachi is currently receiving only 40 million gallons per day (MGD) of the Hub dam, below the usual 100 mgd,” confirmed KWSC’s statement by citing Bulk’s chief engineer.
This strong fall in the supply is already feeling in the western, central and Keamari districts, where the taps have begun to dry. Residents are preparing for prolonged hours without water, since the city struggles to face.
Although emergency repair work was expected to be completed at 4 pm on Sunday, it is unlikely that the water supply will return to normal immediately.
“The repairs are expected to take until 4 pm on Sunday, although the water takes about 12 hours to travel from the dam to the Hub pumping station,” said the KWSC statement, confirming delays in any immediate relief while urging the public to act in a responsibility.
“We apologize for discomfort and urge citizens to use water in moderation. All resources available to accelerate the restoration process are being implemented,” said KWSC chief engineer.
MQM-P pins blamed the government of Sindh, KWSC
As the city wobbles under the shortage of water due to emergency repairs in the Hub channel, political temperatures have exploded. Senior MQM-Pakistan leader and member of the National Assembly, Syed Aminul Haque, launched a scathing attack against the government of Sindh and KWSC, accusing them of “criminal negligence” and “systemic corruption” that has left citizens “headquarters of each fall.”
In a strongly written statement, Haque claimed that despite the very publicized water supply project of the 100 mgd channel, the Water Board has not been able to deliver water to large stripes of the city.
“The people in the city of Orangi, the city of Armjani, the city of Baldia, Keamari, Korangi, Landhi, North Karachi, Malir and Shah Faisal Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Col Colth’s are fighting without water,” he said.
In addition, he accused the Popular Party of Pakistan (PPP) and the government of Sindh of a growing evil gematation.
“His incompetence has written a new chapter of urban failure. Even after recent rains, areas like Orangi remain submerged in wastewater,” he said.
The MQM leader also criticized Jamaat-i-Islami, saying that his role has been limited to slogans without action.
“Drainage and sanitation projects only exist on paper. The center of Karachi and other districts flood every time it rains,” he added.
The MQM-P leader demanded immediate practical solutions and responsibility.
“People pay taxes, but receive garbage, wastewater and broken promises in return. Karachi needs action, not speeches,” he said.
Posted in Dawn, August 25, 2025
