30 Million gallons stolen daily, Rangers expose Illegal water network in Karachi
KARACHI: Sindh Rangers and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) carried out a major operation in Nazimabad, uncovering an illegal water theft network that was stealing nearly 3 million gallons every day.
The operation took place near the Saifullah Bangash Hotel and was personally led by the Mayor and KW&SC Chairman Barrister Murtaza Wahab, along with the Chief Operating Officer, Engineer Asadullah Khan. During the raid, officials found eight illegal connections hidden beneath residential buildings, linked through narrow underground tunnels.
According to officials, the culprits had even crawled through tight passages to connect stolen water lines, a risky act that also caused severe damage to the city’s water system. Investigators discovered a similar network at the same spot just three months ago, showing the operation’s organized nature.
The Rangers and KW&SC’s Anti-Theft Unit dismantled the illegal setups and started round-the-clock surveillance to identify more such connections. “These criminals are stealing the basic rights of Karachi’s citizens, and we will not allow it,” said Mayor Wahab. “We will take strict legal action against everyone involved.”
He praised the Rangers and KW&SC teams for their swift action and vowed that the crackdown on water theft would continue citywide. “This fight is not just about water,” he said. “It’s about justice and ensuring that every Karachiite gets their fair share.”
A major illegal water theft network through a tunnel system has been busted in Nazimabad No. 1 through joint action by Karachi Water Corporation and Rangers. Over 3 MGD of stolen water will now be recovered or saved. I salute our teams for their courage and commitment and some… pic.twitter.com/zVTJpuCJaE
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) October 12, 2025
