CM: Karachi roads to be dug up again to build 100-meter drainage system

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced on Tuesday that the government will dig up Karachi again to build a 100-meter rainwater drainage system after heavy rainfall caused severe urban flooding in the city.

During an emergency visit to the city, the chief minister stressed that Karachi needs a modern drainage system to prevent future floods and make the city more resilient. He chaired an emergency meeting, reviewed the situation, and directed dewatering operations, urging officials to stay alert as more rain is expected.

Murad said the city is still recovering from Tuesday’s downpour, which left several areas submerged. Provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Saeed Ghani, Makhdoom Mahboobzaman, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, police and administration officials, and the Water Board CEO, among others, attended the meeting.

Officials briefed the CM on the flooding, saying many roads had turned into lakes. Dewatering efforts started immediately after the rain stopped. Murad said the government’s top priority is to protect citizens and restore normal life as soon as possible. He praised rescue teams for safely evacuating 40 students stranded at FAST University Malir during the rain.

Authorities drained water from key areas, including Gulbai, Mauripur, Gulshan, Ayesha Manzil, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and Gulberg.

They also cleared water around the Commissioner’s Office, High Court, Sindh Secretariat, and Supreme Court, while work is still ongoing at the Arts Council.

Police and traffic officers managed traffic flow in major spots like Capri Cinema, Shahrah-e-Liaquat, MA Jinnah Road, and Bahadurabad despite the difficult conditions. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) deployed 26 dewatering pumps across South, Central, West, and East districts, mainly at underpasses and low-lying areas.

Murad assured citizens that all departments are working together to handle the situation and urged residents to stay cautious and follow official advisories.

Heavy rainfall caused severe urban flooding in several parts of Karachi, paralyzing daily life. At least 15 people lost their lives in different rain-related incidents, according to reports.

Also Read

Sindh CM slams Federal Govt for delay in development projects

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday strongly criticized...