A police station established to curb water theft in Karachi has been accused of corruption and misconduct by an RO filtration plant owner, alleging extortion and abuse of authority.

A police station established to combat water theft in Karachi is now facing serious allegations of corruption and misconduct. According to recent reports, officials at the Water Corporation police station have reportedly been protecting individuals involved in illegal water activities rather than enforcing laws against them.

The controversy centers around SHO Mazhar Iqbal Awan, who has been accused by Waqas Malikk, owner of an RO filtration plant operating under a valid Sindh Food Authority license since 2023. Malikk claims that the station chief demanded bribes from him and subjected him to continuous harassment.

In his written complaint submitted to the Inspector General (IG) Sindh and other senior police officials, Malikk alleged that SHO Awan refused to grant him a sub-soil/bore water license under the 2024 regulations unless he paid an undisclosed bribe. After refusing to pay, Malikk the station chief allegedly registered a false and baseless FIR against him on charges of illegal water theft.

The FIR alleged violations under Section 2/39 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which typically applies in cases where water is stolen through illegal connections to Water Corporation supply lines. However, Malikk argued that his plant operates legally and complies with all relevant regulations, making such accusations baseless.

This incident has raised concerns about the integrity of law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting public resources from theft. The allegations highlight potential conflicts of interest within the Water Corporation's operations and raise questions about the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in place.

As investigations continue, the case serves as a stark reminder that efforts to combat water theft must be transparent and free from corruption if they are to have any meaningful impact on curbing illegal activities.