FIR Filed Against Protesters as Karachi Water Crisis Sparks Unconventional Demonstrations
- Aziz Bhatti police register case against protesters for spilling water from tankers
- JI condemns action against ‘peaceful’ demonstrators
- KWSC insists water supply fully restored across affected areas
KARACHI: The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has initiated legal action against protesters who adopted an unusual method to express their frustration over water shortages — spilling water from tankers onto roads. An FIR has been registered against approximately two dozen unidentified individuals for rioting and obstructing water supply operations.
The city has been grappling with severe water shortages, leading residents to stage repeated protests. In recent demonstrations, protesters intercepted water tankers, opened their valves, and spilled water on roads, accusing the KWSC of diverting water to tankers for profit instead of ensuring proper pipeline supply.
In the early hours of Monday, protesters stopped two water tankers on M.A. Jinnah Road, releasing their contents onto the street. This followed warnings from KWSC on Sunday, where the utility termed such actions “illegal and unethical” and warned of strict consequences for disrupting operations.
A formal complaint was lodged by hydrant in-charge Syed Shahab Ali at Aziz Bhatti police station under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including rioting, obstructing public servants, wrongful restraint, and creating a hazardous environment.
JI Criticizes Action Against Protesters
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Monem Zafar denounced the FIR, calling it unjust against citizens exercising their democratic right to protest. He criticized KWSC for allegedly profiting from water tanker sales while residents suffer prolonged shortages.
A JI delegation also met KWSC officials, urging immediate measures to resolve the water crisis and prevent future scarcities. Advocate Saifuddin, Leader of the Opposition in the City Council, condemned the criminal charges against protesters, asserting that the government should address public grievances instead of silencing dissent.
KWSC Claims Normal Water Supply Restored
Meanwhile, KWSC maintained that water supply had been fully restored to affected areas, including Clifton, PIB Colony, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Sakhi Hassan, Keamari, and Lyari. The utility reiterated that Karachi requires 1,200 million gallons per day (MGD) but currently receives only 650 MGD.
Refuting allegations of pipeline water being diverted to tankers, KWSC clarified that only 15-18 MGD is supplied through government hydrants at subsidized rates. The utility acknowledged the temporary closure of Landhi and Sherpao hydrants due to a damaged main line but assured that the NIPA hydrant remained operational.
Despite these claims, public frustration continues to simmer, with citizens demanding long-term solutions to Karachi’s recurring water crisis.