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In a key development following the bursting of an 84-inch water supply line in Karachi, the Chief Engineer of Water Trunk Main (WTM), Zafar Palijo, has been removed from his post, as confirmed by officials.
The decision came amid an ongoing investigation into the pipeline failure, which had led to a significant water shortage across Karachi earlier this month.
Superintendent Engineer Muhammad Ijaz has been given additional charge as Chief Engineer, while the probe continues.
According to media reports, a three-member committee – including Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Planning, a Superintendent Engineer, and an Executive Engineer – was formed on April 30 to investigate the cause of the burst.
It was directed to submit its findings within seven days, but has not completed its report even after 13 days, as per media reports.
READ: Pipeline repairs at Karachi University expected to finish by Sunday
A member of the committee, speaking anonymously, claimed the investigation is facing serious hurdles. “Some officers are not cooperating, and the committee members are under pressure,” the official said.
Despite the challenges, the panel continues its work, calling officials for questioning daily.
The 84-inch pipeline that ruptured was reportedly over 50 years old, raising concerns about the aging water infrastructure in Karachi.
The Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, took notice of the incident and demanded answers from the Water Corporation, asking why such failures keep occurring.
Officials briefed the chief minister that the broken line had been successfully repaired and water supply was gradually resuming.
However, the CM emphasized that such incidents should not be repeated and directed authorities to inspect and repair all old water pipelines across the city to prevent future crises.
