Karachi is experiencing a renewed water crisis after a major failure at the Dhabeji pumping complex caused a 72‑inch main transmission line to rupture.
Officials said the disruption began late Sunday when an unexpected power outage forced multiple pumps at the K-III Pump House and the Phase-II system to shut down. The sudden stoppage produced extreme pressure fluctuations that led to the main line burst and the loss of millions of gallons of water. Large volumes spilled into surrounding areas before crews contained the damage.
Emergency repair teams worked through the night to fix the pipeline. Authorities warned that recurring power interruptions at Dhabeji create a serious vulnerability for the already strained supply network and urged K-Electric to provide a stable power feed to prevent further incidents.
The breakdown affected several densely populated neighborhoods, including Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and parts of District Central. Officials said residents in those areas should expect severe shortages for 24 to 48 hours, conserve water, and prepare for delivery delays as demand for tanker supply rises.
Water Corporation sources said physical repairs could be completed within a day, but full restoration of regular service will take longer because pressure must be ramped up gradually to avoid further damage. Partial supply restoration may begin later if no additional complications occur.
