Bilawal criticises PM over delay in Karachi’s K-IV water project

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for delays in the K-IV water supply project, saying Karachi had received “Shehbaz slow” instead of the “Shehbaz speed” seen in Lahore.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new Hub Canal, Bilawal urged the prime minister to expedite the project, launched in the early 2000s to address Karachi’s chronic water shortage.

The scheme has faced repeated delays and rising costs, with only Rs3.2 billion allocated in the current budget against an estimated Rs40 billion requirement. Officials warn completion could be delayed by another decade.

Bilawal’s remarks follow PPP concerns over inadequate federal funding, which has caused friction with coalition partner PML-N. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon earlier said the allocations were “highly inadequate” and stressed fiscal discipline, urging the federal government to reduce unnecessary spending.

The newly inaugurated Hub Canal will add 100 million gallons per day to Karachi’s water supply. Approved in 2022, the project includes a new canal, rehabilitation of the existing one, and upgrades to pumping stations and filtration facilities.

The additional supply will benefit the Central, East and Keamari districts, with plans to extend it to Lyari and nearby islands.