KARACHI: After years of struggling with a crippling water shortage that has left neighbourhoods dry for days at a time, Karachi may finally catch a break as Chinese company is set to install a desalination plant to turn 50 million gallons of water daily into usable supply.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for installing a desalination plant in Karachi was signed during President Asif Zardari’s visit to China.

Speaking to Dawn later, he said that the desalination plant would convert 50 million gallons of water into usable fresh water.

“A team of Chinese investors is expected to arrive next month to sign the agreement,” he added.

Investors expected to arrive next month to sign agreement, says Sharjeel

The senior minister told the media that the deal was part of a broader package of agreements sealed with Chinese investors, adding that the desalination project would help address Karachi’s water shortage. “The desalination project requires huge investment because it is extremely expensive,” he added.

Mr Memon described the outcomes as a significant diplomatic and economic win for Sindh and Pakistan, adding that Chinese leadership had acknowledged the historic role of the Bhutto family and reaffirmed the enduring strength of Pakistan-China ties.

He said the provincial government was also moving to give salaried citizens some relief amid rising living costs.

He did not share specifics but said announcements would follow once the process was finalised.

On law and order, Mr Memon gave an update on the provincial anti-drug campaign.

He reported that a notorious drug dealer had been arrested and several negligent officials suspended as part of the crackdown.

Calling narcotics a scourge that was hollowing out communities, he urged political parties, civil society, and law enforcement agencies to make it a national priority to wipe drugs out.

“Police are doing their job, visible improvements have been made in slum areas, and transporters in Sindh now enjoy relatively better protection than before,” he added.

The senior minister said that Faryal Talpur was the chairperson of the Sindh Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs, and she had directed strict action against narcotics across the province. “The Sindh government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy and is taking concrete, on-ground steps toward complete eradication, even if operational details are not always disclosed in public meetings,” he added.

Responding to questions on misinformation about the health of the president, meetings,” he added.

Responding to questions on misinformation about the health of the president, Mr Memon voiced concern over the spread of rumours and fake news on social media. “Some elements deliberately push false stories for personal and political gain,” he said, adding that the government was monitoring the situation closely.

He dismissed recent reports about the president, confirming that Mr Zardari was well and had travelled to China.

On the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, he said its intent was to curb fake news and propaganda and to stop the rapid spread of misinformation that could destabilise public trust.

Responding to another query, the senior minister said no official announcement had yet been made regarding the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.

He said that Sindh enjoyed relatively greater press freedom compared to other regions, though he acknowledged that opinions differ, particularly on sensitive issues like extrajudicial actions.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026