Governance and Management of Indus Water Supply in Karachi: Identifying Bottlenecks and Solutions

Abstract

This study examines governance and management challenges in the Indus water supply system in Karachi, a megacity facing severe water scarcity despite major institutional reforms. Drawing on qualitative analysis of policy documents, media reports, and performance data (2023–2026), the research identifies structural, political-economic, and technical bottlenecks that hinder effective service delivery. Key issues include institutional fragmentation, weak inter-agency coordination, aging infrastructure, and high levels of non-revenue water. The persistence of illegal hydrant networks and tanker mafias, supported by political and bureaucratic interests, exacerbates inequitable distribution and undermines reform efforts under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) Act 2023. The findings reveal a significant gap between policy intentions and implementation outcomes, highlighting governance failures rather than physical scarcity as the core problem. The study proposes integrated reforms focusing on institutional clarity, transparency, anti-theft enforcement, infrastructure investment, and community-based and technological innovations to improve water governance and ensure equitable access.