KARACHI – August 21: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that Karachi might need to be dug up once again to construct a modern 100-meter rainwater drainage system, after heavy downpours earlier this week triggered urban flooding across the city.
During an emergency visit to inspect flood-hit areas, the chief minister admitted that the city’s outdated drainage network was unable to cope with the intensity of rainfall, stressing that a state-of-the-art system is now unavoidable if Karachi is to withstand future monsoon challenges.
“The city has suffered immensely after Tuesday’s rainfall, and without long-term planning, such incidents will continue to disrupt lives,” Shah remarked. He chaired an urgent meeting soon after his visit, where he instructed officials to speed up dewatering operations and maintain vigilance with more rain forecast in the coming days.
The high-level meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Saeed Ghani, Makhdoom Mahboobzaman, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, senior police officials, and representatives of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, among others.
Briefings to the CM highlighted how several major roads had turned into water channels, severely affecting mobility. Following the rain’s pause, citywide drainage operations were initiated, with Shah praising the coordinated rescue efforts that safely evacuated 40 students trapped at FAST University in Malir during the downpour.
Authorities reported progress in draining water from critical points, including Gulbai, Mauripur, Gulshan, Ayesha Manzil, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and Gulberg. Important government facilities such as the Sindh High Court, Secretariat, Commissioner’s Office, and Supreme Court registry were also cleared, though work was still underway near the Arts Council.
Karachi police, including the traffic division, were credited with managing movement across key intersections despite the chaos. Areas such as MA Jinnah Road, Bahadurabad, Capri Cinema, and Shahrah-e-Liaquat remained under close monitoring to prevent gridlocks.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) deployed 26 heavy-duty dewatering pumps to clear underpasses and low-lying neighborhoods in districts South, Central, West, and East.
“Our top priority is the safety of Karachi’s citizens and the swift restoration of normal life,” Shah emphasized, urging residents to remain cautious and adhere to official advisories as fresh rainfall looms.
According to initial reports, at least 15 people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents across the city, underscoring the urgency for a sustainable drainage solution.
