Minhaj Gulfam, the President of the Karachi Mobile and Electronics Dealers Association, along with other key figures, addressed a press conference on Monday to voice concerns over serious issues affecting Karachi. Gulfam, joined by General Secretary Abid Suria and others, highlighted the negative impact of leasing footpaths, which he believes is causing harm to Karachi’s commercial heart. He criticized the encroachment system for taking over citizens’ properties and pointed out the Water Board’s failure to provide essential water services, forcing residents to purchase overpriced water tankers.
The traders also expressed frustration over the Sindh government’s silence on these matters, which has only fueled public anxiety. They raised questions about the legality of leasing footpaths in the city, particularly in business districts. Gulfam also criticized the expansion of the ‘Hassan Brohi system,’ which has moved from seizing highway land to targeting properties in key industrial areas like Korangi and SITE.
Moreover, Gulfam mentioned that the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) has started leasing footpaths in Lyari, a district home to industrial plots. He alleged that gang wars had previously targeted industries in this area, and now, the footpaths themselves were being leased. During the press conference, traders accused authorities of unlawful actions and described the water crisis as artificially created, forcing citizens to rely on tanker services.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board reportedly charges Rs2,200 for each water tanker, with a fleet of 550 tankers. The traders questioned the reliance on tankers for water delivery, citing the city’s longstanding issue with its water distribution system. They also claimed that the Water Board and water mafia seem to be in cahoots, with water tankers being sold at exorbitant prices—Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 for a 3,000-gallon tank and Rs16,000 to Rs18,000 for a 6,000-gallon tank.
The traders emphasized that the ongoing water crisis is creating severe hardships, with both homes and mosques lacking access to water. They stressed that water is a fundamental human need and demanded that the government provide guidance on how to address complaints.
In addition, they raised concerns about the electricity supply situation, accusing both provincial and federal governments of hindering the entry of new electricity suppliers. According to the traders, this is a clear indication of vested interests in the existing electric supply companies.
The traders urged the Army Chief and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to form an independent and powerful team to investigate these pressing issues. They also called for an inquiry into the leasing operations, questioning the role of individuals involved in causing damage to public funds. Concluding their statements, the traders appealed for urgent intervention from the authorities to safeguard their rights, properties, and to halt the further deterioration of the city’s infrastructure.
