In Focus – Residents of the Pakistani city of Karachi, in the hands of the water mafia

With 17 million inhabitants, Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan. But, due to state negligence, its water distribution system is dysfunctional. The precious liquid only reaches half the city through pipes. This shortage has sparked a water mafia that runs hundreds of illegal pumping stations. Mafia that generates millions of dollars every year, while the megalopolis is in a state of absolute water stress. According to the UN, Karachi is the third city in the world most affected by lack of water. Our correspondents report. .