Latest news with #ShehbazSlow
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Bilawal inaugurates new canal from Karachi
KARACHI: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, dubbing him 'Shehbaz Slow' when it comes to uplift works in Karachi. While inaugurating a 100-million-gallon water project in Hub on Wednesday, the PPP chairman launched a scathing attack on the prime minister and sarcastically called him 'Shehbaz Slow' for delays in the K-IV water project. 'We expected Shehbaz Speed [for Karachi's uplift], but got Shehbaz Slow. Sindh govt decides to initiate 'Hub Canal', other projects It cannot be that Punjab gets Shehbaz Speed while Karachi is left with Shehbaz Slow,' Bilawal added while requesting the prime minister to fulfil his promises regarding the K-IV water project in Karachi. Turning his criticism to India, Bilawal said that the Modi government has conspired to block Pakistan's water supply, likening his tactics to those of Netanyahu. He condemned India's alleged plan to violate the Indus Waters Treaty by constructing dams, calling it 'the biggest historical attack on the Indus River.' 'Karachi's people know how to defend the Sindhu Darya [Indus River]. We will confront India diplomatically and, if needed, on the battlefield,' the PPP chairman warned. Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared the project a major gift for Karachi on Independence Day. He said that Karachi's federal water quota would be raised to 200 MGD by December. 'We inaugurated the project on August 13 as promised,' he said, adding that the main beneficiaries would be West Wharf, Keamari, and Central Karachi. The new canal, he said, would bring an additional 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to the city, doubling the capacity previously carried by the old canal. Murad said that the old canal could not transport even 60 MGD effectively, but the new infrastructure would overcome that limitation. 'We built this canal within the fixed time and budget, without any cost escalation,' he stated. 'This is a gift to Karachiites ahead of Independence Day.' The chief minister also announced that the restoration of the old canal would be completed by December, further boosting the city's water capacity to 140 MGD. He added that the provincial government was negotiating with the federal government to increase Sindh and Balochistan's water quota, citing improved water availability due to climate change. Murad said a 35 MGD water treatment plant would also be completed in September to supply industries, freeing up potable water for domestic use. Once the augmentation phase of K-IV is completed through arrangements with the World Bank, Karachi will receive 550 MGD of water, significantly easing shortages. The New Hub Canal spans 21.8 kilometres and includes 11 aqueducts, 19 culverts, and four bridges, with a total capacity of 130 MGD. Phase II of the project involves restoring the old canal, with 21.8 km of its section already closed for accelerated work. The Manghopir pumping station's 150 MGD capacity is also being restored, alongside the refurbishment of the filtration plant.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal hits out at PM for K-IV delay
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed New Hub Canal - a Sindh government and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) project - aimed at addressing the chronic water shortages. The project will provide an additional 100 million gallons per day to the metropolis. The PPP chairman expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in the completion of the K-IV mega water project by the federal govt. "It is unacceptable to operate with 'Shehbaz Speed' for Lahore and switch to 'Shehbaz Slow' for Karachi," he remarked. He said water scarcity had been a long-standing issue for Karachi and must be resolved on a priority basis. Alongside the construction of the new canal, renovation of the old Hub Canal was also under way, which would further enhance supply to District Central, District West and Keamari, while a PC-I had been prepared to extend the project's reach to Lyari. The PPP chairman said he would take up with PM Shehbaz Sharif the issue of non-provision of federal funds for Karachi's development projects and urge early completion of the K-IV scheme. He said he had expected the prime minister to support Karachi's development with the same urgency shown for Lahore. Turning to India, Bilawal alleged that New Delhi was funding the banned BLA and Majeed Brigade to shed the blood of innocent civilians. He accused India of conspiring to block Pakistan's share of water by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty in violation of international law and said the Modi government intended to construct dams and canals on the Indus River.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal inaugurates New Hub Canal to address Karachi's water crisis
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Speaking at the inauguration of New Hub Canal in Karachi on August 13. Photo: PPP Twitter Listen to article 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 — 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 — 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.
