KARACHI: A major case of water theft from the main supply line of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has been uncovered, marking a significant breakthrough in the city’s ongoing crackdown against illegal water extraction.
The operation was carried out by a joint team of Pakistan Rangers and KW&SC officials, following credible intelligence regarding the illegal extraction of potable water from a 33-inch diameter main supply line (New SBL/CTM) located beneath Lasbela Bridge.
According to officials, the KW&SC, Subsoil Management Team and Anti-Theft Cell, in coordination with Rangers, conducted a targeted raid on three suspected subsoil networks allegedly operated by Shakil Mahar and an associate, Ibrahim.
During the inspection of one network, authorities discovered a concealed tunnel at the base of a 50-foot-deep underground water tank, directly connected to the corporation’s main supply line.
Inside the tunnel, an 80-horsepower high-suction pump had been installed, along with a four-inch pipeline used to siphon off water illegally.
Water samples collected on-site revealed a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of 450, indicating that the extracted water was potable supply from the main line rather than groundwater. Samples have been sent to a laboratory for further verification, while the identified network has been sealed.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the KW&SC Act against the accused, and further legal proceedings are under way. Samples taken from the other two suspected networks did not provide initial evidence of similar theft.
Officials said the primary suspect, Shakil Mahar, is the president of the Subsoil Association and holds multiple licensed bores.
He is also among the corporation’s major defaulters, with outstanding dues reportedly amounting to approximately Rs100 million over the past five months.
KW&SC authorities stated that, in line with directives issued by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, a zero-tolerance policy against water theft is being strictly enforced.
They reiterated that indiscriminate action would continue against those involved in illegal activities that deprive citizens of their rightful share of water, to ensure transparent and equitable distribution across the city.
