KARACHI: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) staged protest demonstrations at various locations across the city on Monday against the worsening water crisis, warning that the party would escalate its movement using all democratic options, including sit-ins and a strike, if the authorities fail to resolve the issue.
Central Protest at KMC Building
The central protest was organized by local government representatives of the JI outside the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) building, which houses the office of the mayor, who also serves as the chairman of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). The demonstrators condemned the provincial government and the water utility for their failure to ensure a smooth water supply.
Deepening Water Crisis
Karachi's water crisis has worsened significantly over the past two months, primarily due to repeated breakdowns at the Dhabeji Pumping Station. Consequently, millions of residents are now reliant on expensive private water tankers for drinking and household needs. In May, multiple technical faults and power outages reduced the water supply by more than 100 million gallons per day (MGD). The shortages intensified ahead of Eid, affecting several parts of the city and drawing severe criticism from residents and political parties.
Shortfall and Demand
The city currently faces an estimated shortfall of over 600 MGD against a demand of 1,250 MGD, leaving a large number of people dependent on irregular supply or costly private tankers. The JI, in a press release, stated that it organized simultaneous demonstrations at key locations across the city, denouncing the water crisis and warning of sit-ins and a citywide strike if relief is not provided immediately.
Meanwhile, around 11,000 students took a screening test for CCE-2025 in Hyderabad.
