Karachi Launches First Water Theft Tribunal to Combat Illegal Usage

Sindh government has launched a comprehensive legal crackdown on water theft in Karachi, granting the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) expanded powers to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against illegal water extraction and distribution. For the first time in the city’s history, a special tribunal has been established to ensure the swift hearing and disposal of water theft cases.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the KW&SC’s headquarters on Monday in Karsaz, and it was attended by senior officials including Chief Operating Officer Engineer Asadullah Khan, Chief Financial Officer Ammar Ali Khan, and tribunal judge Munir Bakhutto. The Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, also participated.

KW&SC officials stated that the tribunal had been constituted under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Act. Its primary aim is to expedite legal action against individuals and networks involved in water theft. This issue has long strained Karachi’s limited water resources.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials including the Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, who emphasized that cases related to water theft would be resolved on a priority basis. He stated that the special tribunal holds full legal authority and will enable faster, more effective, and decisive action against water theft.

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab described the establishment of the tribunal as a major milestone in safeguarding public interest, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving Karachi’s vital water resources. He added that the Sindh government would show no leniency toward those involved in water theft.

Following the ceremony, the Chief Justice and the Mayor visited the Hydrants Cell Management and Complaint Management Center, where they were briefed on operational mechanisms, water supply management, citizen grievance redressal systems, and ongoing actions against illegal connections.