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Pakistan's Karachi faces severe water crisis as major supply lines burst after power failure
Karachi has faced a severe water crisis since April 27 after a power failure at the Dhabeji pumping station caused three main water lines to burst. KWSC reports seven pumping stations are out of service, with Line No.5 repaired but Lines 1 and 2 still under repair, leaving many neighborhoods without water for days. Officials say restoration could begin soon, with full supply returning within 24 hours after repairs are completed, while interruptions are expected to continue for several days.
Why It Matters
The crisis affects millions in Karachi during extreme heat, exposing vulnerabilities in water infrastructure and management that have broad public health and urban resilience implications.
Timeline
6 Events
May 3, 2026: Restoration anticipated by Sunday; full resumption within 24 hours of repair completion
May 3, 2026
KWSC said restoration could begin by Sunday and that regular supply would resume 24 hours after repairs are completed.
May 3, 2026: Water supply halted in multiple Karachi neighbourhoods
May 3, 2026
Water supply has been suspended in several Karachi neighbourhoods including Korangi, Landhi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, PIB Colony, Nazimabad, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Chanesar Goth, among others, due to the breakdown and ongoing repairs.
May 3, 2026: Line No.5 repaired; Lines No.1 and No.2 still under repair
May 3, 2026
Repair work on Line No.5 has been completed, while restoration efforts on Line No.1 and Line No.2 were still underway after six days of disruption.
April 29, 2026: Planning Minister unveils national water security strategy
April 29, 2026
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal unveiled a comprehensive national strategy to tackle Pakistan's water crisis at the Roundtable Consultation on National Water Security under the Uraan Pakistan initiative.
April 27, 2026: Seven pumping stations at Dhabeji out of service
April 27, 2026
The Karachi Water and Sanitation Corporation (KWSC) stated that seven pumping stations at the Dhabeji facility were out of service, contributing to a significant shortfall across the metropolis.
April 27, 2026: Power failure at Dhabeji pumping station triggers water crisis
April 27, 2026
A major power failure at the Dhabeji pumping station caused three primary water transmission lines to burst, initiating a water supply crisis in Karachi.