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Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
Karachi water crisis: Experts propose ‘sustainable' solutions
KARACHI: Pakistan's largest city – Karachi - continues to face an escalating water crisis as growing demand, aging infrastructure and mismanagement threaten the livelihoods of millions of its residents. Experts, researchers, and stakeholders raised serious concerns over Karachi's worsening water crisis. They were speaking at the 'Rebuild Karachi' seminar held at a local hotel. The event was organized by the Pakistan Engineer Forum. The theme of the seminar was 'Karachi's Water Crisis and Its Solutions.' Dr. Syed Imran Ahmed, Professor at NED University and noted water expert argued that the city can no longer rely solely on the Indus as climate change, rising temperatures, and increasing demand threaten its sustainability. He emphasized that while rising temperatures in the Himalayan region could temporarily increase water availability until 2070, this should not be mistaken for a permanent solution. He also highlighted the historical data showing an average downstream water flow of 23 MAF annually from Kotri Barrage— a volume that could be utilized to address urban shortages through reservoir development. On alternative ground, he explained that an enormous amount of water is wasted after every rainfall in Karachi, with 1.83 million acre-feet (MAF) going untapped annually.'Karachi, despite being an arid region, receives enough rainfall to manage its water needs if proper infrastructure is in place,' he stated. Dr. Syed Imran Ahmed said that experts have long advocated for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge initiatives. Dr. Ahmed proposed that 27 wells be constructed across Karachi to capture rainwater and replenish underground aquifers. Additionally, existing bore wells can be repurposed as injection wells to channel rainwater back into the ground in rainy season Dr. Ahmed shared the example of Lahore, where similar work has already been started. However, he added that Karachi still has a lot of potential to save rainwater and improve groundwater recharge efforts. He told that a comprehensive study on this subject was submitted to the Mayor of Karachi Murtaza Wahab and the Sindh Government as well, but it has yet to be implemented. According to the study, Karachi receive enough rainfall annually to significantly ease the city's water shortage if harvested properly. Speakers proposed several medium- and long-term solutions to tackle the crisis. They also urged the government to speed up work on the K-IV bulk water supply project. The project is vital to meet the city's growing water demand. Water expert Muhammad Bashir Lakhani told the audience that currently, Karachi requires between1,200 to 1,600 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to meet its residential, commercial, and industrial needs. However, the city receives only about 500 to 550 MGD, creating a substantial shortfall that affects the lives of millions daily. Around 300 MGD is sourced from underground wells, placing immense pressure on the city's groundwater reserves. He further said that Karachi's water needs are primarily met through the Indus River via the Kotri Feeder, which is just 0.5 percent in overall country's share and less than 2 percent of Sindh's total share. He said that Indus and Hub Dam are the only two sources of water for the metropolis. In response to growing pressure, the long-delayed K-IV Water Project was redesigned in 2022 and construction resumed in September of that year. The revised plan includes three new reservoirs at Pipri, Taiser Town and Manghopir to support water supply. He told that as of now, 60% of the work has been completed, with an expected completion date of June 2026. The federal government is funding the main construction part of K-IV while additional augmentation and distribution work are expected to be finalized by June 2027 for which Sindh government will be responsible, he added. Moreover for maintaining continuous water pressure, a 50 megawatt Power plant will also be constructed to ensure supply. During the seminar many experts and concerned citizen cast doubts over the timely completion of augmentation work within city to provide water to the citizens at their door steps. Moonis Ahmed, prominent journalist from Samaa TV, pointed out how Karachi's water has effectively turned into 'white gold' — a commodity exploited by mafias and corrupt officials. Illegal water hydrants, tanker mafias, theft and unauthorized connections deprive many neighborhoods of their rightful share, adding to the crisis. He said that deeply flawed water distribution system within the metropolis is an uphill task and is yet to be addressed. On the political front, Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, Munam Zafar Khan, while talking at the occasion expressed serious concerns over the worsening water crisis in Karachi, stating that the city's basic rights are being denied due to inaccurate population figures and poor governance. Khan paid tribute to the Pakistan Engineer Forum and its team for organizing a much-needed platform to discuss Karachi's civic issues. He pointed out that Karachi is Pakistan's largest city, and its actual population exceeds 35 million, while official records misleadingly show it as 20.3 million. This underreporting, he claimed, has deprived the city's residents of their rightful share in water, power, and civic services. 'Karachi is the fifth largest city in the world, yet remains deprived of basic facilities despite being located on the seashore,' Munem Zafar remarked. He criticized the unjust distribution of water in the city, adding that while water is available, it does not reach citizens equally due to widespread mismanagement and the influence of tanker mafias. Referring to the much-delayed K-IV water project, Munam Zafar said authorities have now committed to completing the project by June 26, 2026. However, he emphasized that beyond new projects, immediate reforms are needed in water distribution to end the dominance of illegal water tanker operations, which are present in the city in the tens of thousands. The seminar was attended by water experts, engineers, civic activists, and members of the business community, all of whom called for immediate, practical steps to resolve the city's worsening water crisis. Water experts unanimously agreed that Karachi's future lies in a combination of surface and groundwater management, rainwater harvesting, and the infrastructure development. Without immediate action, the city risks descending into an even deeper crisis. The proposals are on the table — now, it remains to be seen whether political will and administrative efficiency can rise to meet the challenge. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Irregularities alleged in NED University appointments
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Secretary of the Board of Universities, the Vice Chancellor of NED University, and others in a case challenging alleged irregularities in promotions and appointments at NED University. During the hearing of the petition, the counsel for the petitioner, Danish Rahman, argued through his lawyer, Malik Altaf Javed Advocate. The petitioner's counsel contended that the university's registrar, controller of examinations, communication manager, additional registrar, and additional registrar (legal) were unlawfully appointed to their positions. It was alleged that despite issuing an advertisement on January 1, 2025, for various positions, the university manipulated the eligibility criteria for the recruitment. The petitioner's lawyer requested that the court declare the appointments and promotions made at NED University null and void due to the alleged irregularities. The court sought response from the parties. Iranian petrol, diesel 'trafficker' gets bail The Sindh High Court (SHC) has granted bail to Asif Mir, a truck driver, who was arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling of Iranian oil. The trial court had previously rejected Mir's bail plea. During the hearing of bail application, his counsel argued that the provisional challan did not mention the market value of the petroleum products. The state counsel countered that Mir was apprehended at Thatha Pul while transporting Iranian oil in his tanker, from which 8,289 litres of Iranian diesel and 8,161 litres of Iranian petrol were recovered. The court observed that further investigation was necessary in the case against Mir. The lab report, while confirming the presence of diesel and petrol, did not specify their origin, leaving unclear whether the recovered oil was indeed Iranian. The court also noted that it remained determined whether Mir, as the driver, had knowledge of the petroleum's origin. Ultimately, the court granted bail to Mir against a surety bond of Rs500,000.
Express Tribune
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh, Canadian varsity to boost partnership
The Sindh government and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) have agreed to boost educational partnership during a meeting and a conference chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon with a delegation of the varsity. Attendees included Universities and Boards Secretary Abbas Baloch, NED University Vice Chancellor Sarosh Lodhi, VCs of various universities from across Sindh and other officials. The meeting and the conference organised by the Department of Universities and Boards was led by TMU President and VC Muhammad Lashimi. On the occasion, discussions were held on enhancing cooperation in the field of education, research partnerships and educational projects between Sindh and the Canadian institution. Such partnerships play a key role in shaping the future of the nation and empowering the younger generation, said the senior minister. He also highlighted the need to bridge the gap between government, industry, and academia to drive innovation, economic growth, and social prosperity by leveraging collective expertise and resources. He further stated that student exchange programmes between TMU, NED University, and other institutions in Sindh would be promoted. The president and VC of TMU said that his university is eager to collaborate with the educational institutions of Sindh to foster academic cooperation and innovation.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's first computerised observatory set up at NED
Pakistan's first computerised observatory for advanced astronomical research has been set up at NED University's Department of Computer Information Systems. This observatory is poised to revolutionise the study of galaxies, planets, and stars. It is the second such facility in Karachi, complementing the observatory at the University of Karachi, which until now has been the only place in the metropolitan city dedicated to astronomical research. The new observatory is equipped with cutting-edge telescopes, including a 14-inch lens and a mobile-app controlled telescope, offering an unprecedented level of accessibility and precision in astronomical observation. The observatory will also serve as a key venue for sighting the Ramazan crescent for the first time, a task until now being performed by clerics-led moonsighting committees. Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Ismail, Director of the National Centre for Big Data and Cloud Computing at NED University, spoke about the importance of computerised observatories on an international scale. While speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Ismail explained that the NED observatory is one of the few of its kind worldwide, where all telescopes are integrated with computer systems and data is stored in a centralised data centre. "This state-of-the-art setup means researchers no longer have to visit the observatory in person to conduct their work," he added. "Instead, they can access valuable data remotely via the Big Data and Cloud Computing Centre, which is connected to the observatory. Dr Ismail revealed that the NED University is engaging with international space agencies, including Nasa, to collaborate on astronomical research projects. "This collaboration promises to expand the reach and scope of the research conducted at the observatory," he added. The observatory's technological advancements don't stop at just telescopic observation. Uzair Abid, Team Leader at the National Centre, said that the observatory's high-tech telescopes also gather data on solar activity, specifically solar spots.
Express Tribune
20-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
First container-based data centre launched
A new project to build a six-lane motorway between Karachi and Hyderabad is being initiated to address existing travel issues. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal announced that this motorway will provide modern travel facilities. Speaking at the inauguration of Pakistan's first national container-based data center at NED University on Wednesday, Ahsan Iqbal added that work on the Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway will also commence soon, with an agreement already in place with China. This project was approved in 2018 but faced delays. If the Pakistan Muslim League-N government had remained in power, the project would have been completed by 2022, he said. Ahsan Iqbal said that political instability and economic crises have hindered development projects in Pakistan. He noted that the country has missed several opportunities for growth, while countries like South Korea and Egypt have achieved progress by adopting similar visions. Regarding the data center, the federal minister stated that it will provide IT, research, and educational facilities to over 500 universities across the country. The project, costing between $5-6 million, will offer 100-gigabit high-speed internet services and connect over 75 higher education institutions through a 7,000-kilometer fibre network. This data center is expected to revolutionize Pakistan's education system and help transform the country into a digital corridor. Additional features will include a national digital library, local cloud, national video conferencing network, and other modern facilities. Ahsan Iqbal stressed on the need for Pakistani universities to align with modern demands to put the country on the path to progress. He urged that the country's educational institutions must adapt to contemporary requirements to drive national development.
