KARACHI – In view of the forecast for heavy rains, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah chaired an emergency meeting to review preparedness and response measures.
The meeting was attended by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the Secretaries of Local Government and Information, Additional IG Karachi, DIG Traffic, DG PDMA, Rescue 1122, Water Board, K-Electric, KDA, KMC, and officials of other relevant departments.
It was decided that during the rains, citizens will be provided timely and accurate information. Updates regarding traffic conditions and diversions will be broadcast through Traffic Police FM 88.6 and other platforms to minimize public inconvenience.
Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah emphasized that during the last spell, lack of timely updates on alternative routes caused major traffic jams and public hardship. This time, DIGs, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, SSPs, SHOs, Rescue 1122, and other field officers must remain present on ground to assist citizens.
The meeting further resolved that all decisions regarding traffic diversions and road closures during rains will be made according to real-time conditions, with approval from the Karachi Mayor.
The PDMA was instructed to remain in the field with dewatering machines and pumps to ensure swift drainage of rainwater. DG PDMA informed the meeting that 16 dewatering pumps have already been installed across different areas of the city, while field officers will be equipped with rescue kits for immediate public assistance. Rescue 1122 teams were directed to stay on alert for emergency operations.
It was also decided that KDA machinery will be deployed at key points, while KMC will establish public facilitation camps to provide guidance and assistance.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab briefed that cleaning of drains and choking points has been expedited, dewatering pumps installed on main thoroughfares, and all town chairmen instructed to ensure drainage from inner streets. Control rooms will be set up at the Commissioner’s Office and Police Headquarters to ensure close coordination among agencies.
K-Electric representatives assured that special control points have been established to maintain uninterrupted power supply during the rains.
Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah urged all agencies to work with close coordination, joint strategy, and public cooperation to ensure smooth traffic flow, effective water drainage, and maximum citizen facilitation
