Bilawal inaugurates New Hub Canal to address Karachi's water crisis

Express Tribune

a day ago

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Speaking at the inauguration of New Hub Canal in Karachi on August 13. Photo: PPP Twitter
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Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the New Hub Canal on Wednesday, emphasising that water has been a long-standing issue for the people of Karachi and must be addressed as a priority.
He highlighted the importance of water for Karachi, adding that the renovation of the old Hub Canal, alongside the construction of the new canal, would significantly enhance the city's water supply.
Bilawal expressed strong dissatisfaction over the federal government's persistent delay in completing the K-IV mega water project, which is crucial for Karachi's growing water needs, according to an official release.
The K-IV project, part of an ongoing initiative by the Sindh Government and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), aims to address the city's long-standing water shortage. Once completed, it is expected to supply an additional 100 million gallons of water per day to Karachi.
چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے نئی حب کینال کا افتتاح کردیا، جو یومیہ 100 ملین گیلن صاف پانی ضلع سینٹرل، کیماڑی اور غربی کے عوام فراہم کرے گی۔@BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/4qSt0ooXPU — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) August 13, 2025
Speaking at the inauguration, Bilawal remarked, 'It is unacceptable to operate with 'Shehbaz Speed' for Lahore and switch to 'Shehbaz Slow' for Karachi.' He criticised the lack of progress on the K-IV project and the federal government's failure to provide funds for Karachi's development.
He added that he would raise the issue of delayed funding with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and urged him to ensure the earliest possible completion of the K-IV project. 'I had hoped the PM would support Karachi's development with the same 'Shehbaz Speed' that he has consistently shown for Lahore,' he said.
Speaking on Karachi's development, Bilawal emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Sindh government and local bodies. He expressed hope that, in future elections, the people would reject politicians who spread hatred and instead support those working for the welfare of the people.
He also condemned India's actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, calling out the Modi government's attempts to block Pakistan's water share.
'India has been funding terrorist organisations and intends to block Pakistan's water under the Indus Waters Treaty,' he said. He described the move as an 'historic attack on the Sindhu (Indus) River' and vowed to confront India both diplomatically and, if necessary, on the battlefield.
مودی سرکار کا سندھ طاس معاہدہ توڑنے اور پاکستان کا پانی روکنے کا خواب کبھی پورا نہیں ہوگا۔ کراچی والے اپنے سندھو کا دفاع کرنا جانتے ہیں — اگر عالمی قوانین کے تحت بھارت نے سندھ طاس معاہدہ نہیں مانا تو ہم انشاء ﷲ یہ چھ کے چھ دریا اپنی عوام تک پہنچائیں گے۔@BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/9prCUZZIZ4 — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) August 13, 2025
The PPP chairman reiterated Pakistan's stance, stating that the country would not allow India to break the treaty. 'If compelled, we will seize all six rivers from India and deliver them to the people of Pakistan,' he added.
The ceremony was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, provincial ministers, PPP office-bearers, and other prominent citizens of the city.
He also paid tribute to PPP workers, particularly from Karachi and Hyderabad, for their unwavering support in resisting hate-driven politics and fostering unity.
"For the first time in history, PPP mayors have been elected in both Karachi and Hyderabad," he said, acknowledging the sacrifices made by party workers in these cities.
Bilawal concluded by stressing the need for continuous progress in Karachi and ensuring that development reaches all areas, including Lyari. "Work is also underway on a seawater desalination project under a public-private partnership model," he added.