Karachi is grappling with a major water shortfall after a breakdown at the Dhabeji Pumping Station disrupted operations early Sunday morning. Officials reported that two pumps in the station’s second phase shut down, affecting Line No. 5 and potentially cutting nearly 100 million gallons from the city’s supply.
The Water Corporation said repair work began immediately on an emergency basis, with teams working to restore full functionality as quickly as possible. Authorities assured residents that once repairs are completed, the Dhabeji system will return to normal operations.
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This is not the first disruption at the facility, which heavily relies on uninterrupted electricity to maintain supply. On November 5, a cable fault shut down the K-3 pump house for 36 hours, causing severe shortages across the city and straining daily water availability.
For over a decade, Dhabeji Pumping Station has faced persistent maintenance issues and recurring technical faults. Multiple breakdowns this year alone have left many neighbourhoods struggling with inconsistent water supply, highlighting the vulnerability of Karachi’s primary intake facility.
Earlier in the year, power outages and pipeline bursts at Dhabeji led to massive shortages, including a 100MGD cut in January and a 350MGD disruption in late June. These incidents underscore the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and better contingency planning.
Officials urged residents to conserve water and remain patient as repair teams work around the clock. Meanwhile, the city continues to face mounting pressure to address long-standing operational flaws that threaten Karachi’s water security.