Animals, dead carcasses and even human bodies found in Hub Canal spark alarm

Fresh alarm has gripped residents of the port city after a disturbing video shared by Nukta Pakistan shows more than just animals inside the Hub Canal, a key source of drinking water for Karachi.

Clips circulating online show animals freely entering the canal, with some footage capturing dead animals being pulled out of the water. In one instance, a carcass resembling an Indian grey wolf was reportedly seen, adding to the shock. This comes just days after another video went viral showing wild boars swimming in the canal, further raising questions about how exposed the water source is.

The report by Nukta Pakistan found that despite Section 144 being imposed — making bathing and swimming in the canal illegal — the restrictions are barely enforced. Both humans and animals continue to access the canal freely, with little visible intervention.

Adding to the concern, Water Board Project Director Ejaz Alam revealed that not just animals, but human dead bodies have also been recovered from the canal. According to him, some individuals dispose of bodies in the water, and he has personally taken out 10 to 15 human corpses over time.

The canal stretches over 22 kilometers and supplies millions of gallons of water daily, making it one of the city’s most critical lifelines. Authorities continue to maintain that the water is treated at filtration plants before distribution, ensuring it is safe for consumption.

However, the visuals emerging from the canal have sparked serious public concern. Many are questioning whether reliance on filtration alone is enough, especially when the source itself appears so vulnerable to contamination.

Long-pending plans to fence the canal — aimed at preventing such access — remain unimplemented, further highlighting gaps in infrastructure and enforcement.

As the videos continue to circulate, the issue has shifted from isolated incidents to a larger debate about water safety, governance, and accountability in managing one of Karachi’s most essential resources.