Water Scarcity and Infrastructure: This is a long-standing and critical problem. Karachi faces a significant gap between its water demand and supply. The city’s water infrastructure is old and inefficient, leading to water theft, illegal connections, and loss from pipelines. The “tanker mafia” also plays a role, forcing many citizens to buy water at exorbitant rates.
Traffic Congestion and Public Transport: The city’s rapid population growth has far outpaced the development of its public transportation network. As a result, Karachi’s roads are notoriously congested. The lack of a proper, widespread mass transit system means commuters rely heavily on private vehicles and an inadequate system of buses and rickshaws, leading to daily nightmares for residents and increased air pollution.
Environmental Pollution and Waste Management: Karachi grapples with severe environmental challenges, including air, water, and noise pollution. The city generates enormous amounts of solid waste, but the waste management system is largely ineffective, leading to garbage piling up on streets and in open areas. Industrial and municipal waste is often discharged untreated into the sea, contaminating the coastline and affecting marine life.
Law and Order / Street Crime: Despite efforts to improve security, street crime remains a major concern for Karachites. Incidents of muggings, mobile phone snatching, and other forms of theft are common. This not only creates a sense of insecurity but also has a negative impact on daily life and economic activity.
Electricity and Gas Shortages (Load-shedding): Frequent power outages and gas shortages are a source of constant frustration. The city’s power utility, K-Electric, often faces criticism for its performance, and the issue of load-shedding affects both residential and commercial sectors, disrupting daily routines and hindering business operations.
