KARACHI: The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Saturday emphasized that Karachi’s reliance on water tankers must come to an end, directing authorities to ensure water is delivered to residents through proper pipeline networks.
The remarks came during a hearing on a petition filed by a resident of Orangi Town regarding the non-availability of water at his home. Expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, Justice Adnan Karim questioned why citizens were still deprived of basic water facilities despite earlier assurances.
“The mayor had committed to providing water through pipelines. Why is that promise not being fulfilled?” Justice Karim asked during the proceedings. The bench warned that strict orders would be issued if immediate steps were not taken to supply water to the petitioner’s residence.
Counsel for the Karachi Water Corporation (KWC) told the court that the city’s aging water infrastructure, frequent power outages, and reduced supply from main sources were major hurdles in ensuring consistent distribution.
However, the bench remained unconvinced. Justice Karim observed that if water tankers were successfully supplying various parts of the city, it suggested that water was indeed available. “If tankers can operate citywide, why can’t the same water be delivered through pipelines? Invest in new lines and resolve the issue,” he remarked.
A KWC official further informed the court that some tanker operators were obtaining water from illegal hydrants, adding another dimension to the city’s ongoing water management crisis.
The court signaled that it would take a firm stance on the matter if authorities failed to act promptly.
