KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday took notice of the worsening flood situation in Karachi and parts of Sindh, directing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to work closely with the Sindh Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) for urgent rescue and rehabilitation efforts. He expressed grief over the deaths in Gadap Town’s Konkar stream, where vehicles were swept away by flash floods, and ordered authorities to expedite the search for missing persons.
According to the PM Office, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that helping stranded families should be the “top national priority.” He lauded Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Army, and Rangers for their efforts on the ground but warned that restoration of damaged roads and communication lines must be completed swiftly to prevent further disruption of relief operations.
Heavy monsoon rains submerged large parts of Karachi, overwhelming the city’s drainage system. Floodwaters entered residential areas in Malir, Saadi Town, Sohrab Goth, and New Karachi, while several vehicles were swept away in Gadap and nearby low-lying suburbs. At least four bodies have been recovered so far, including a woman and her son, while the search continues for other victims.
The flooding also disrupted traffic along the Karachi–Hyderabad Superhighway after torrents from the overflowing Thado Dam spilled onto the M–9 motorway. The National Highway and Motorway Police confirmed that barriers had to be removed to divert floodwaters, while rescue teams worked to evacuate residents trapped in up to five feet of water.
The crisis has once again highlighted Karachi’s fragile infrastructure, with critics blaming poor urban planning and encroachments on stormwater drains for turning seasonal rains into recurring disasters. Authorities remain on high alert as more rain is forecast, while welfare groups such as Edhi Foundation continue to provide emergency shelter and supplies to displaced families.