Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Inaugurates New Hub Canal to Tackle Karachi's Water Crisis

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi — In a significant step towards alleviating Karachi’s chronic water shortage, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the newly constructed “New Hub Canal” on [insert date]. The canal is expected to provide an additional 100 million gallons of water daily to the city’s residents.

During the inauguration ceremony, Bilawal expressed his frustration with the federal government's sluggish pace on the K-4 water project, quipping, “It can’t be that there is ‘Shehbaz Speed’ for Lahore and ‘Shehbaz Slow’ for Karachi.” He underscored the urgent necessity to address the water crisis affecting one of Pakistan’s largest cities.

The PPP Chairman revealed plans for the renovation of the old Hub Canal, which aims to enhance water supply to the Central, West, Kemari, and Lyari districts. He also highlighted a public-private partnership initiative that focuses on desalinating seawater as a long-term solution to the city's water needs.

Furthermore, Bilawal emphasized that Karachi’s local government should not be a platform for propagating the politics of hatred and division. He showcased the collaborative efforts between the Sindh government and local bodies aimed at benefiting the public, condemning hate politics and vowing to continue campaigning against it in future elections.

Bilawal commended party workers in Karachi and Hyderabad for standing resolutely against terrorism and divisive politics, pointing out that for the first time in history, PPP members have been elected as mayors in these cities.

In a bold statement, he criticized the federal government's inaction regarding financial support for Karachi's development initiatives, pledging to raise these concerns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accelerate the K-4 project.

In addressing regional issues, Bilawal condemned India’s violation of the Indus Water Treaty, labeling it a “historic attack” on the River Indus by halting the agreement and proceeding with the construction of new dams and canals. He warned that Pakistan is prepared to respond both diplomatically and, if necessary, militarily, to protect its water rights.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that the New Hub Canal would deliver 100 million gallons of water daily, with the renovation of the old canal projected for completion by December. Shah urged the federal government to ensure adequate funding for Karachi’s water projects.

Karachi’s Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab welcomed the New Hub Canal as a fulfillment of the PPP’s commitment to resolving the city’s water issues, also criticizing the federal government's lack of urgency in addressing the matter.

The inauguration event gathered Sindh ministers, members of the assembly, party officials, and notable city dignitaries, marking a pivotal moment in Karachi’s ongoing battle against water scarcity.