KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday said that illegal constructions along natural waterways and storm drains were the main reason behind recurring urban flooding in Karachi.
Speaking to reporters during an inspection of rain-hit areas, Shah stressed that no government had ever permitted housing schemes on riverbeds, yet encroachments had blocked natural flows and worsened the crisis. “When you obstruct nature, the consequences are inevitable,” he remarked.
The chief minister, who toured several neighborhoods including Saadi Town, said his government was working round the clock with civic agencies and elected representatives to safeguard citizens from the impact of heavy rains and rising river levels across Sindh.
He praised Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Deputy Mayor Salman Murad for staying on the ground throughout the night, while also commending provincial ministers and senior officers for actively monitoring relief operations.
Expressing sorrow over the death of four people in Malir overnight, Shah noted that rescue teams had saved several others trapped near Korangi Causeway early in the morning. He urged residents to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary movement in dangerous areas.
The CM acknowledged the efforts of PDMA, Rescue 1122, local administrations and other agencies, describing their joint response as “effective and well-coordinated.”
Wider Impact Across Sindh
Shah said torrential rains had also lashed Thatta, Jamshoro, Dadu, Hyderabad, Sujawal, Badin and Tharparkar. Small dams in Tharparkar had filled up, he added, and relief was being provided to local communities.
While the provincial government had prepared for a “super flood” of up to 900,000 cusecs in the Indus, the CM said current flows at Guddu Barrage had reached around 500,000 cusecs. Relief camps and medical facilities had been set up, with more than 5,000 people treated so far. Mobile hospitals had been deployed to affected areas, while vaccination drives had been carried out for over one million livestock to protect rural livelihoods.
Learning from Past Disasters
Reviewing past experiences, Shah said his government had gained critical lessons from the floods of 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020 and 2022. “We have always stood with our people, and today our workers, representatives and administration are again in the field,” he said. He welcomed constructive criticism but condemned what he called “negative politics” during a time of crisis.
Defending the Malir Expressway project, the CM said it would act as a protective embankment once completed and urged critics to reserve judgment until then.
Ground-Level Inspections
During visits to Qayyumabad, Korangi Causeway, Shahrah-e-Bhutto and Malir outfall, Shah reviewed drainage operations and traffic management. At Malir 15, he ordered an acceleration of pumping operations to clear low-lying areas.
In Saadi Town, where overflow from Latt and Thado dams had entered through the motorway, he met residents and assured them of swift dewatering efforts. He directed the Water Board, Rescue 1122 and the Cantonment Board to intensify their operations.
Later, Shah visited Jinnah Avenue to inspect machinery deployed for drainage and reviewed water flow at Lyari River, which he said was under pressure but still within control.
Throughout the day-long tour, the chief minister underlined the importance of rapid relief work, close coordination between civic bodies, and transparent communication with citizens to minimize hardship during the monsoon rains.
