News Detail
Event Title: Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources presiding over a meeting of the committee in Karachi.
Event Date: 2026-09-28
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources was held in Karachi to review progress on the K-IV Project and follow up on the directions issued by the Committee on May 4, 2026. The meeting was chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Chairman of the Committee, and attended by Senators Asad Qasim, Muhammad Aslam Abro and Qurat-Ul-Ain Marri.
At the outset, the Chairman observed that, being a follow-up meeting, the concerned departments were expected to submit complete working papers and updated information in writing. The Committee took serious notice of the failure of provincial departments to provide the required documents, stressing that timely written information was essential for effective parliamentary oversight. The Chairman also noted inadequate coordination among stakeholders and directed all departments to ensure close coordination for resolution of long-standing issues.
The Committee expressed serious concern over the non-submission of the 94-kilometre real-time route map, despite its earlier directions. Senator Qurat-Ul-Ain Marri took up the matter, while the Project Director assured the Committee that the map would be provided by the end of the day. The Committee observed that such essential information should have been available before execution and directed its immediate submission.
The Secretary Irrigation, Government of Sindh, briefed the Committee on the K-IV Improvement of Kalri Baghar Feeder and Keenjhar Lake, informing that the 42-kilometre canal, having a capacity of around 1,200 cusecs, was 74% complete.
The Committee took serious notice of the rock-site issue at RD 153+000, questioning why the geological/technical issue had not been identified during the design and feasibility stage. The Chairman stressed that such lapses could lead to delays and additional costs and called for examination of the role and accountability of NESPAK. Senator Qurat-Ul-Ain Marri also questioned the consultant's assessment and emphasized that the issue should have been identified before commencement of the project.
Mr. Tariq Saeed, Project Manager, STDC, briefed the Committee on the K-IV power transmission component and informed that the transmission infrastructure was targeted for completion by June 2027. The Committee appreciated the progress in local procurement and implementation.
Ms. Ayesha Hameed, Project Director, KWSSIP, briefed the Committee on K-IV augmentation. The Committee was informed that the project cost was approximately US$256.87 million, land had been acquired and handed over to WAPDA, and 75% of hydro-testing had been completed. The Committee was also informed that the previous contractors' contracts had been terminated and the work subsequently assigned to FWO, while related matters are sub judice.
The Committee expressed concern over the impact of construction on urban roads and existing utilities and sought a clear written timeline for restoration of roads affected by the works. It was informed that branch lines would be undertaken by KMC, while road restoration costs would be borne by KWSSIP.
Regarding additional funding, the Secretary Ministry of Water Resources informed the Committee that the funding demand received from WAPDA had been forwarded to ECNEC. The Committee directed KWSSIP, STDC and other concerned provincial departments to provide clear implementation timelines in writing so that a consolidated position could be submitted to ECNEC.
At the conclusion, the Committee directed all concerned departments to submit the required working papers, route maps, technical details, progress reports and implementation timelines within the stipulated timeframe. It decided to hold further follow-up meetings to review compliance with its directions and progress against the agreed timelines.