PM Khan expresses concern over 573 MGD water shortage in Karachi

Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting on development projects funded by the Federal Government on Sunday, 16th September.

The meeting was informed about the Federal Government funded ongoing development projects particularly Green Line Project and the K-IV water supply project. While discussing Green Line Project, the Prime Minister directed that a representative of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation should be included in the Board of Directors.

It was informed during the meeting that Karachi is facing a water shortage of 573 Million Gallons per day (MGD) as against a demand of 918 MGD. Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed concern over the water issues of Karachi and emphasized on enhanced coordination between federal and provincial governments for co-funded projects.

"In 1947, Pakistan had per-capita water of 5,600 cubic metres but today only 1,000 cubic metres are left. If we continue like this then by 2025 there will be a massive shortage of water. It will affect our food security and our agricultural production will go down”, he added.

With respect to the number of dams in the country, he quoted that China has 84,000 dams, including 5,000 big dams and India, too, has 5,000 dams and continues to build more, whereas Pakistan has only been able to build two major dams.

The PM said that the country is heavily in debt and as a result, dams cannot be financed through budget therefore, the government has decided to do fundraising.

In addition to the Diamer Bhasha dam, the government is also about to start work on Mohmand Dam which according to him is very feasible, he added.

The meeting was attended by Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Secretary Sindh Maj. (R) Azam Sulaiman Khan, Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Sualeh Farooqi, Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar, senior officers of Karachi Water & Sewerage Board and Sindh government.

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