KARACHI: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat on Friday directed the Sindh government to take immediate steps to curb the so-called ‘tanker mafia’ and improve the water supply infrastructure of Karachi. The committee, chaired by Senator Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan, stressed that unauthorized operations by water tankers had hijacked the city’s supply, forcing residents to pay for basic water needs.
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Officials briefed the committee on the progress of the K-IV water project and other infrastructure initiatives. Senators recommended quarterly reviews of project funding and implementation and proposed a joint meeting with the Sindh Chief Minister, Karachi Mayor, and senior officials to address long-standing water and sewerage challenges.
The committee also received updates from the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). NESPAK is executing 82 projects in Sindh with a combined cost of Rs1,558 billion, while 17 projects are ongoing in Balochistan. Lawmakers expressed concern over delays and emphasized better monitoring and timely completion.
OGRA officials briefed senators on measures to monitor fuel supply and tanker operations. A digital tool, Raahguzar, helps customers locate legal fuel stations, report illegal outlets, and file complaints. Additionally, a Track and Trace System has been installed on 15,000 oil tankers to prevent illegal fuel movement, with plans for digital gauging at fuel pumps in the next phase.
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The committee called for swift action to modernize Karachi’s water network, enforce transparency in fuel and water supply, and ensure that ongoing projects meet the growing demands of the city’s population. Lawmakers underscored the need for coordinated efforts among government departments to prevent further misuse of resources and guarantee reliable water services to Karachi residents.