KARACHI: There is an urgent need for comprehensive municipal intervention to address Karachi's deteriorating sanitation infrastructure, which is contributing to the spread of diseases in the megacity, Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), stated on Sunday. As Pakistan's largest city and financial hub, with a population of over 20 million, Karachi is facing a worsening environmental and health crisis.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, systematic failures in solid waste management, decaying drainage systems, widespread sewage accumulation, and water contamination are posing significant threats to public safety and human dignity in the city. The urban sanitation issues have escalated due to rapid population growth, inadequate planning, underfunded services, and fragmented governance over the years.

Altaf Shakoor highlighted that uncollected garbage regularly obstructs roads, clogs drains, and leaks toxins into the soil. During monsoon seasons, insufficient maintenance leads to urban flooding, with sewage water inundating roads and homes, creating health hazards and making daily commutes perilous.

Public health is severely impacted, as independent tests reveal that much of Karachi's municipal water is unsafe for consumption, primarily due to aging water pipes being in close proximity to overflowing sewer mains. This contamination has resulted in a rise in preventable diseases, such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis, affecting vulnerable groups the most.

Altaf Shakoor emphasized the need for long-term infrastructure investment and administrative accountability. He proposed modernizing waste management systems, investing in water and sewerage infrastructure, and enforcing strict hygiene standards in public institutions. Community participation and effective enforcement of environmental regulations were also underscored as essential components of the solution.

He urged the government of Sindh, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, and federal agencies to collaborate on a transparent and time-bound strategy for urban sanitation reform to safeguard the health and future of Karachi's residents.