Karachi’s water crisis worsened as repair work on a ruptured 84-inch pipeline near the University of Karachi entered its sixth day.
The pipeline’s rupture disrupted the water supply across the city and forced residents to turn to expensive private tankers.
Meanwhile, flooding from the damaged pipeline submerged 60% of the university campus, bringing academic activity to a standstill. The disruption laid bare the inequality in water distribution across Karachi.
While many neighbourhoods remain without water, private hydrants continue operating, showing systemic service differences. Areas from Korangi to Defence are experiencing extreme water shortage, fueling public anger and frustration.
Authorities promised that repairs would be completed within 24 to 48 hours. However, repeated delays have lowered confidence. In the meantime, the tanker mafia exploited the crisis even further by hiking its prices.
This incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and better emergency response systems to prevent such crises from occurring again in the largest city of Pakistan.