{
  "id": 16147219,
  "title": "Residents write to CM Murad, urge halt to construction on Karachi's Nehr-i-Khayyam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/residents-write-to-cm-murad-urge-halt-to-construction-on-karachis-16147219",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T03:49:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2039126/residents-write-to-cm-murad-urge-halt-to-construction-on-karachis-nehr-i-khayyam"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Clifton Neighbourhood Association (CNA) penned a letter to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday, expressing apprehension over construction activities at Nehr-i-Khayyam and requesting the complete project report, approved engineering drawings, and details of the engineering firm and engineers involved. The CNA, primarily composed of Clifton Block 5 residents, questioned the Nehr-i-Khayyam rehabilitation plan, demanding transparency regarding the project scope, cost, and approvals. Rasha Tarek, a resident, noted the rapid pace of construction, with work continuing even at night. Following two Sundays of resident protests, a meeting was convened by the CM's adviser, Syed Najmi Alam, at Dr Fareeduddin Sethna Family Park. During the meeting, residents reiterated their objections, demanding transparency and an independent drainage study, EIA, and restoration of the waterway to its original width. They expressed dissatisfaction with the incomplete plans shown and called for full disclosure of the project documents. Questions were raised about the proposed treatment plant's role and funding. Shahid Abdullah’s team acknowledged a lack of funding for a project component, leading to further inquiries about funding and completion. PANI stated it was not involved in the current drain construction, sparking more questions about responsible agencies. An EIA was questioned, with project representatives stating one had not been conducted. Residents emphasized the necessity of a thorough environmental assessment and transparent consultation before irreversible changes. In the letter, the CNA outlined seven demands, including an immediate halt to construction, restoration of the waterway's original width, and a comprehensive EIA, among others.",
  "summary": "KARACHI: The Clifton Neighbourhood Association (CNA) on Thursday wrote to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, expressing concerns over construction at Nehr-i-Khayyam and calling for the complete project report, approved engineering drawings, details of the engineering firm and responsible engineers, and the PC-I, including the project scope, cost and approvals, to be made publicly…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}