KARACHI: In Pakistan there is an intense water crisis after a major power outage crippled one of the city’s main pumping stations, leaving large parts of the metropolis without water.

The disruption occurred when a sudden breakdown in electricity supplies halted operations at the Dhabeji pumping station, a key facility that channels water to Karachi from the Indus River. According to local officials, breakdown halted pumping for several hours, which drastically reduced the supply to the city’s already struggling network.

Residents across multiple districts reported dry taps and water tankers running out fast, many even complained of increased charges by tanker operators.

Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) confirmed that the disruption affected millions and warned that it may take several days before full water pressure is restored, depending on how quickly the power supply can be stabilised.

The water outage has once again highlighted Karachi’s fragile infrastructure and the heavy reliance on a few pumping stations to meet the needs of over 20 million residents. Experts are urging the government to invest in backup power systems and long-term water management plans to avoid such disasters in the future.

In the meantime, citizens are being advised to use water sparingly as authorities work to restore services. Many are calling on the government to treat the water crisis with the same urgency as electricity or fuel shortages.