According to officials familiar with the matter, the project was halted following objections raised by the World Bank and proposed changes to the pipeline route.

The objections reportedly relate to environmental pollution concerns and the absence of adequate safety measures at the work site.

The augmentation work began on November 10 and was scheduled for completion by December 30.

Under the original plan, pipelines were to be laid along a 2.7-kilometre stretch from Urdu University to Hassan Square.

However, sources said only about 10 per cent of the work has been completed so far.

Following a revision in the project design, the pipelines will now be laid on a single track between Urdu University and Hassan Square instead of multiple alignments.

Under the K-IV project, 96-inch and 72-inch diameter pipelines were being installed along University Road.

Sources added that work will resume once the World Bank’s objections are addressed and the revised design is formally approved.