MQM Protest in Sindh Assembly Over Water Shortage in Karachi
Karachi: Lawmakers of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) staged a strong protest in the Sindh Assembly over water shortages in Karachi, causing disruptions in the house and turning proceedings into chaotic scenes.
The assembly session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony, witnessed MQM members raising slogans such as “Give water to Karachi” and demanding immediate attention to the city’s worsening water crisis.
Despite the Deputy Speaker’s request to continue proceedings and address the issue after question hour, MQM lawmakers persisted with their protest, insisting that the water shortage should be discussed immediately.
The Deputy Speaker later announced that the business of the House could be suspended to allow a point of order discussion, but noise and commotion continued during ongoing proceedings, including questions related to fisheries and livestock departments.
During the debate, Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi said that Karachi has been turned into a “scene of Karbala,” claiming that citizens are suffering due to severe water shortages. He added that he himself had been trying to arrange a water tanker for two days but was unsuccessful. He also highlighted shortages in areas such as Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Orangi Town.
In response, Law Minister Zia Lanjar urged the opposition not to politicize the water issue, stating that major projects such as the K-IV water scheme are underway and the government is serious about addressing the crisis. He also mentioned additional initiatives, including the Hub Canal project, aimed at improving water supply to Karachi.
He acknowledged water distribution challenges and said efforts were being made to ensure supply in affected areas, while also pointing to issues of water theft and ongoing development work.
Separately, Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Muhammad Farooq raised concerns over a delayed sewerage project in his constituency, saying that a 36-inch drainage line had caused flooding-like conditions in the area ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. He also complained about lack of response from water board officials.
Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah assured the House that work on the projects was underway and would be completed soon.
