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Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Funding crunch delays K-IV project
Listen to article For years, the K-IV project has been viewed as a lifeline for Karachi's residents suffering from chronic water shortages. Yet it appears that the financial and administrative hurdles plaguing the completion of the project are here to stay for another four to five years. Originally launched in 2016 under the Sindh government and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) with an initial PC-1 cost of Rs25 billion, the K-IV project aimed to supply 260 million gallons per day (MGD) to Karachi within two years. However, due to severe mismanagement and design flaws, the project was halted in 2018 after achieving only 20 per cent progress. In 2021, the federal government transferred control of the project to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), which redesigned it, inflating the project cost to Rs126 billion. Construction resumed in 2022, with a revised completion target of December 2025. A WAPDA official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that over 63 percent of the project has been completed, however, due to rising construction material costs, an additional Rs30 billion is required. "A revised PC-1 has been submitted to the federal government for approval, but the project has reportedly been downgraded from the government's priority list. Against the remaining Rs40 billion requirement, only Rs3.5 billion has been allocated in the current budget, causing work stoppages on two filtration plants and a major pipeline section, while other components are progressing at a sluggish pace," confirmed the official. Efforts to obtain official comments from WAPDA General Manager (South) and K-IV Project Director Aamir Mughal remained unsuccessful, as repeated attempts to contact his office yielded no response. Reportedly, the core component of the K-IV project involves laying an underground pipeline from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi's Kathore area, supervised by WAPDA. However, three additional critical projects tied to K-IV remain the Sindh government's responsibility. The first project concerns the augmentation plan. This project, financed through a 260 million US dollars World Bank loan, involves laying approximately 100 kilometers of bulk distribution pipelines within Karachi and connecting them to existing pumping stations. Similarly, the power supply project involves installing a 132-kilovolt transmission line from Jhimpir grid station to the K-IV pumping complex near Keenjhar Lake to provide 50 megawatts power, with an estimated cost of Rs16 billion. Lastly, the KB feeder canal lining project, spanning 38 miles, aims to rehabilitate and widen the canal from the Indus river to Keenjhar lake, to ensure full quota delivery. A senior KWSC official anonymously confirmed that while official schedules promised completion of these three projects within two years, actual timelines were expected to stretch much longer due to bureaucratic hurdles, utility shifting delays, and complex technical requirements. Repeated efforts to reach Sindh's Secretary Irrigation, Zareef Khero, for comments remained unanswered, while the concerned Executive Engineer cited his recent appointment as an excuse for his inability to comment at this stage. According to a survey conducted by the Express Tribune, Karachi's daily water requirement stands at 1,200 million gallons, while the city currently receives only 650 million gallons from the Indus River and Hub Dam, leaving a staggering shortfall of 550 million gallons per day. The survey also revealed that the KWSC officials, in alleged collusion with the tanker mafia and illegal groundwater extraction networks, have created an artificial water crisis in several areas, including Clifton, Defence, Gulshan-e-Iqbal (13D-2, 13D-3), North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, and PECHS. Despite the critical importance of the K-IV water project to Karachi's future water security, bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of political will, and severe underfunding continue to jeopardize its timely completion.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt announces major relief for farmers hit by floods
KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the major relief for farmers affected by floods, stating that the Sindh government has taken a big step in raising relief grants significantly for victims of the record 2022 flood catastrophe. The package includes compensation for shattered crops, provision of seed and monetary support for rehabilitation of hit lands. In a statement, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon said that the increase in relief funds for flood-affected farmers is part of the Sindh Flood Rehabilitation Program, which has already been recognized as the world's largest disaster housing initiative. He said that the Sindh cabinet has also approved the establishment of new industrial zones in Sukkur and Hyderabad, which will be developed under a public-private partnership. A total of 951 acres of land in Hyderabad will be transferred to the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company, paving the way for over 55,000 employment opportunities in the province and giving a new boost to the provincial economy. Sharjeel Memon also added that the Sindh cabinet has also approved an interest-free loan of Rs 10.56 billion for Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, where a 36-kilometer pipeline would be laid from Damloti to DHA. The project will ease the acute shortage of water, as DHA needs 15 MGD of water daily but receives only 5 MGD. The project also includes the construction of a pumping station, filtration plant, and reservoir, with a completion target set for 11 months. He said that the cabinet has approved a memorandum of understanding with Sindh Bank to expedite the activation of the Benazir Hari Card. Through this card, farmers will receive subsidies on agricultural inputs, soft loans, and financial assistance for disaster preparedness. So far, over 237,000 farmers have been registered, and the verification of 88,871 applications has been completed. Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh government is taking practical steps for the welfare and development of the people, with the resolution of public issues and transparent governance among its top priorities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh endorses agriculture income tax rules
KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah here Tuesday endorsed Sindh Agricultural Income Tax Rules, 2025. The endorsement of these rules would pave the way for introducing clear procedures for registration, e-filing, and record-keeping by agricultural income earners. Under the new rules agricultural owners must register them with the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) using Form AIT-01. Moreover, tax returns (Form AIT-03) must be submitted with evidence of payment. Detailed records must be maintained in Urdu, Sindhi, or English. Losses in calamity-affected areas can be carried forward to subsequent years. However, a subcommittee comprising the ministers of agriculture, law, and works & services was formed to finalise the draft for enforcement, aiming to modernise compliance and boost provincial revenue. Moreover, in a move towards digital governance, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Sindh E-Stamp Rules, 2020, eliminating the requirement for physical e-stamp paper in areas with an operational e-registration system. The amendment enables digital verification of stamp duty payments and ensures integration between the e-stamping and e-registration systems. Already active in 51 sub-registrar offices, this paperless initiative will streamline property transactions and reduce processing times. However, the provincial cabinet also endorsed several other initiatives aimed at tackling Karachi's water crisis, strengthening agriculture sector, boosting industrial growth, and enhancing regional connectivity. It deliberated on 52 agenda items, endorsing most of them with strategic directives for immediate implementation. To address Karachi's worsening water shortages, particularly in DHA, the cabinet approved a Rs 10.56 billion interest-free loan for Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC). The project entails laying a 36-km dedicated pipeline from Dumlottee to DHA, along with the construction of a pumping station, forebay, and filtration plant. The CM directed to complete the project within 11 months. The cabinet increased the Flood Emergency Response Component (FERC) allocation from Rs 21.56 billion to Rs 27.67 billion, benefiting 151,147 verified farmers impacted by the 2022 floods. So far, three disbursement phases have been taken place, with Rs 6.1 billion now allocated for the remaining verified farmers. An additional Rs 2.37 billion in savings will be channelled through the Benazir Hari Card to further support the agriculture sector. However, the cabinet authorised the Agriculture Department to sign a MoU with Sindh Bank for launching the Benazir Hari Card. This targeted initiative will provide subsidies on agricultural inputs, soft agricultural loans, disaster-related cash support, priority access to solar tube-wells and crop insurance. Registration has begun, with 237,125 farmers already enrolled. Of these, 88,871 applications have been verified for onward processing and card issuance. To accelerate coal transport from Thar to the port, the cabinet approved Rs 45.02 billion for a railway project linking Islamkot (Thar Coalfield) to Chorr, as part of a joint venture with the federal government. The project includes a 105-km rail line, a 9-km dual track from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim, and a coal unloading terminal. The federal government has already allocated Rs 7 billion in PSDP 2025–26, which the CM approved for immediate release. This two-year project will strengthen Pakistan's energy infrastructure and stimulate industrial growth in the region. However, to generate employment and attract private investment, the cabinet approved the establishment of New Industrial Enclaves on 951 acres in District Hyderabad under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Over 55,000 jobs (direct and indirect) are expected from this initiative. Advisory consultants have been hired for feasibility and transaction structuring. The cabinet directed the transfer of land to the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC), with the Finance Department to pay Rs 3.54 billion for the land. The cabinet approved the allocation of 248 acres for the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6), valued at Rs 667.23 million. Additional reservations were authorised across Jamshoro, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Naushero Feroze, subject to departmental NOCs. The Chief Minister also authorised bridge financing if necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of this vital national connectivity project. On this occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government's dedication to inclusive and sustainable development, describing the approved initiatives as cornerstones of progress that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience. He instructed all departments to guarantee transparent execution, interdepartmental coordination, and the timely completion of approved projects. These sweeping decisions highlight the Sindh government's strategy to combine infrastructure development with social equity and economic opportunity. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and senior officers from concerned departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Prolonged power outage exacerbates water ‘crisis': KWSC
KARACHI: Karachi is facing a severe water shortage as prolonged power outages have crippled key water supply infrastructure. A spokesperson for the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) confirmed that an outage that began at 10 pm on June 26 at the Dhabeji pumping station has persisted for over 60 hours. The fault has yet to be resolved, resulting in a shortfall of 220 million gallons of water to the city during this period. The power failure has had a cascading effect on various KWSC installations, including the North East Karachi Old Pump House. The shutdown of this facility, located downstream of Dhabeji, will impact water supply to parts of Scheme 33. Additionally, two pumps at the K-III pump house are currently inactive due to the ongoing power disruption, further exacerbating the water crisis.
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
K-IV project: A number of key targets achieved: Wapda chief
KARACHI: Wapda Chairman Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) has announced that Wapda has succeeded in achieving a number of key targets on Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV project) and concerted efforts are being made to complete Phase-I of the project in June 2026. During his visit to the Project here on Thursday, he further said that prompt availability of the required funds is the key for completion of the Project as per the schedule. The Chairman had a detailed visit of various work fronts to review construction progress. These work fronts included intake and pumping stations at Kinjhar Lake and water conveyance system comprising pressurized pipelines being laid from Kinjhar Lake to Karachi. The project team along with the Consultants and the Contractors briefed the Chairman about progress on all eight contracts including intake, pumping stations, pipelines, water reservoirs and filtration facilities. Two critical activities i.e. inserting two water carrier pipelines in sleeve pipes at main railways crossing and hydrostatic testing on the first 15 Km of the pipeline have recently been completed, while the second hydrostatic testing for another 25 Km single pipeline will be carried out in June. Timelines for the remaining works and plans to achieve the targets as well as financial progress and requirement of funds were also discussed during the briefing. Cumulative physical progress on the Project is 63 percent. Rs. 75.21 billion have so far been spent on the Project, while PC-I of the Project's Phase-I amounts to Rs. 126.4 billion. Underlining the importance of K-IV Project for Karachi, the Chairman directed the Project Team to excel construction activities to meet the timelines. He also directed them to maintain close liaison with other stakeholders for timely arrangement of power supply by the Government of Sindh and augmentation of the water distribution system by Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). K-IV Project envisages providing 650 million gallon per day (MGD) water to Karachi from Kinjhar Lake. The Project is planned to be completed in two phases. At present, Wapda is constructing Phase-I to supply 260 MGD water to Karachi. Phase-II, when implemented, will also augment another 390 MGD water to the system for Karachi. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
