KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday inaugurated the New Hub Canal project, which will supply 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to Karachi, particularly to the districts of Central, East, and Keamari.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bilawal said a project concept (PC-I) had been prepared to extend the supply to Lyari residents from the same project.
He criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the delay in completion of the K-IV water supply project, saying the premier was known for “Shehbaz Speed” in Punjab but had turned into “Shehbaz Slow” for Karachi. He urged the PM to honour his commitments on the K-IV.
Bilawal said that if the prime minister approved an additional 100 MGD from the Hub Canal project, “we will be able to provide another 100 MGD to Karachi by next year.”
Water, he said, had long been a critical issue for the city, and the revamp of the old Hub Canal was under way. He praised the cooperation between the Sindh government and local government, saying the collaboration was benefiting the public. A plan under public-private partnership to desalinate seawater was also under consideration, he added.
The PPP chief noted that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was now focused on development rather than political hostility, adding that voters had rejected politicians who spread hatred in the last general election and would do so again.
On national security, Bilawal said Pakistan had defeated India not only on the battlefield but also diplomatically. He accused India of funding banned militant outfits such as the BLA and Majeed Brigade to target civilians and of plotting to block Pakistan’s share of water in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty by constructing dams and canals.
He warned New Delhi that Pakistan would first respond diplomatically, but if necessary, would retaliate militarily. “If forced, Karachi’s people will take all six rivers back and deliver them to our nation,” he said.
Murad outlines water expansion plan
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the Hub Dam filled every year and work was under way to increase its capacity, expected to be completed by December. After expansion, the province would request an additional 100 MGD from the federal government for Karachi.
Currently, Karachi receives 550 MGD, which will increase by 140 MGD in four to five months and by another 260 MGD by late 2026 or early 2027 — taking the total supply to 950 MGD.
Murad expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on K-IV and said the company had been told to speed up. A 35 MGD wastewater treatment project was expected to be completed by September.
Without naming PTI chief Imran Khan, Murad criticised a former prime minister for announcing Rs162 billion and Rs1,100 billion packages for Karachi but delivering “not even Rs162 or Rs11.” He said the PPP had secured federal funds for Karachi and was delivering results, but still they deserved more.