Karachi Sets Up Specialized Courts to Tackle Water Theft

The Sindh government has granted extensive legal powers to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to prosecute individuals involved in water theft, representing a major step toward safeguarding the city’s water resources. For the first time, a dedicated water theft tribunal has been established, formally inaugurated at the KWSC head office by Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput.

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, along with senior KWSC officials including CEO Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, COO Chief Engineer Asadullah Khan, and Tribunal Judge Munir Bakhsh Bhutto, attended the ceremony. The tribunal has been granted full legal authority under the Water Corporation Act, enabling swift action against water theft. Mayor Wahab described the initiative as ushering in a new era for protecting Karachi’s water supply and ensuring citizens’ rights.

During the event, the chief justice and mayor also toured the Hydrants Cell Management and Complaint Management Center to review operational measures aimed at improving transparency and service delivery. The initiative is expected to strengthen enforcement, curb illegal hydrants, and enhance water distribution across the city.