KARACHI: North Nazimabad has reportedly become the epicenter of large-scale illegal water extraction in Karachi, as a two-week-long operation exposes deep-rooted corruption and the active involvement of officials within Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC).
According to credible sources, senior members of the Sub-Soil Water Association have been caught red-handed in water theft operations involving millions of gallons. Cases have been registered against several association members, while influential figures allegedly “escaped through connections and cash settlements.”
Chief Security Officer Anjum Tauqeer Malik and Executive Engineer (Sub-Soil) Tabish Raza-both nearing the end of their contractual terms-have been accused of aiding the water mafia. Insiders claim their impending exit has accelerated their involvement in “loot and cover-up deals.”
Water theft extends beyond North Nazimabad, with illegal operations reported in Korangi, Landhi, Bin Qasim, Shah Faisal Town, Malir River Belt, and industrial zones. Despite repeated reform claims under KWSSIP, the Anti-Theft Cell and Sub-Soil Water Division have allegedly accepted bribes to allow the racket to flourish.
During the operation near Orangi Nullah, only two FIRs were registered. One case implicated the son of Saifullah Bangash for supplying stolen water to a major beverage company. FIR No. 590/2025 named several Sub-Soil Association operators including Razaullah alias Ali Raza (S&Z License No. 24), Rais Zia (Samaa Enterprises), and Amjad Enterprises (License No. 58), among others.
Despite 15 years of similar crackdowns, no major operator has faced meaningful punishment. Even recent claims by Murtaza Wahab of disconnecting eight illegal connections stealing over three million gallons per day are now under scrutiny.
The Sub-Soil Wing has issued 70 licenses for 292 bore sites, but insiders estimate more than 1,200 illegal bores are operational, generating over Rs. 10 billion annually in black revenue-compared to the KWSC’s declared Rs. 55 million income from sub-soil operations.
Among those named in the ongoing racket are Ayaz Enterprises, Kohistan Enterprises, Shams Brothers, Deewa Enterprises, Stern Garments, Shahuddin Enterprises, Aqwa Solutions, Infiniti, Humaira Enterprises and several others operating under official sub-soil licenses. These entities are allegedly stealing and selling groundwater worth billions under official cover, while anti-theft units focus on settlements rather than enforcement.
Investigators have called for the suspension and inquiry of Anjum Tauqeer Malik, Tabish Raza, and their associates for corruption, negligence, and misuse of authority. The KWSC Tribunal Registrar stated that “once tribunal formalities are completed, strict legal proceedings will be initiated, including arrests, imprisonment, and fines.”
Until then, Karachi’s residents continue to bear the cost – as billions of gallons of groundwater flow into the hands of a few under the silent watch of institutions meant to prevent it.
Investigators have called for the suspension and inquiry of Anjum Tauqeer Malik, Tabish Raza, and their associates for corruption, negligence, and misuse of authority. The KWSC Tribunal Registrar stated that “once tribunal formalities are completed, strict legal proceedings will be initiated, including arrests, imprisonment, and fines.”
Until then, Karachi’s residents continue to bear the cost – as billions of gallons of groundwater flow into the hands of a few under the silent watch of institutions meant to prevent it.
