Murad Slams Federal Govt Over Inadequate Funding for K-IV Water Project

Sindh Chief Minister inaugurates the 20th

“My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony” International

Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Center

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has strongly criticized the federal government for releasing only Rs. 3 billion this year out of the Rs. 78 billion promised for Karachi’s critical K-IV water supply project. In contrast, the Sindh government, he noted, has fully funded all key components of the project.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 20th “My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony” International Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Center, CM Shah emphasized that water scarcity remains one of Karachi’s most pressing challenges. “Four major sub-projects under K-IV are currently in progress. A Rs. 50 billion project to expand water feeder capacity is on track for completion this year. Additionally, a Rs. 170 billion project is underway to transport water from Keenjhar Lake, and a dedicated power plant via STDC will soon support two main pumping stations,” he said.

Major Milestones and Water Supply Boost

CM Shah announced the completion of a new 100 MGD Hub Canal to be inaugurated on August 14, while the existing canal will be upgraded to the same capacity. By year-end, Karachi is expected to receive 200 MGD from Hub Dam. He also spotlighted the Dumlottee project’s importance, projecting 150 MGD additional supply for southern Karachi. Shah urged the federal government to enhance Karachi’s share of water from Hub Dam in light of improved availability due to recent climatic changes.

Development & Federal Disengagement

Highlighting findings from the 2015–16 World Bank gap analysis, Shah said Karachi needs Rs. 3 trillion in infrastructure investment to meet global metropolitan standards. “This scale of development is impossible without active federal collaboration,” he asserted.

He also decried Sindh’s under-representation in gas allocation despite producing 70% of Pakistan’s natural gas. Criticizing the federal government’s delay in convening the Council of Common Interests (CCI), he demanded immediate action, citing constitutional requirements for quarterly meetings.

Exhibition & Independence Day Celebrations

Praising the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) for hosting the landmark 20th edition of the “My Karachi” exhibition, CM Shah said it reflects Karachi’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural resilience. He officially launched the province-wide Independence Day celebrations under the theme “Maarka-e-Haq”, symbolizing Pakistan’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty, justice, and unity. He lauded the public’s unified response to India’s May 2025 conspiracy as a testament to national resolve.

Business Community’s Demands & KCCI’s Concerns

Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala applauded Sindh government’s cooperation but emphasized urgent resolutions to issues like gas shortages and industrial water scarcity. He urged CM Shah to expedite the K-IV project and improve Karachi’s infrastructure.

KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani echoed these sentiments, highlighting Karachi’s worsening water crisis, which sees only 550–650 MGD supplied against a daily demand of 1,200 MGD. He also demanded Karachi’s constitutional gas share and the establishment of a world-class provincial expo center.

Bilwani stressed the need for improved roads, drainage, crime control, and an accelerated Safe City Project to address Karachi’s declining urban infrastructure and rising street crime.