Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced a major policy shift on Tuesday aimed at **ending the longstanding “water tanker culture” in Karachi, directing the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to phase out tanker-based water distribution in favour of an expanded pipeline supply network. The move is intended to provide residents with reliable, permanent water delivery directly to their homes, reducing dependence on tankers that have historically filled gaps in the city’s strained water system.
The decision follows calls from the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat for urgent action to curb the so-called “tanker mafia” and modernise Karachi’s water infrastructure to keep pace with its growing population. Under the new directive, no new contracts will be issued for water hydrants used by tanker operators whose agreements expired last year as the municipal administration works to develop an effective alternative.
During the transition, Mayor Wahab proposed an alternate-day water supply schedule to help manage current shortages while pipeline connections are expanded. The government bodies involved, including federal and provincial stakeholders, will also hold regular reviews of major projects such as the K-IV water initiative to ensure progress and improved service delivery for Karachi.