Karachi:Prime Minister Imran Khan here Saturday announced a package of Rs162billion for development of Karachi.
He announced this while addressing an important meeting that was attended by federal cabinet members, Governor Sindh, MQM leaders and others.
PM Khan said that Pakistan is passing through a difficult economic phase. He said Pakistan cannot attain progress without development of Karachi. He said the uplift of the megacity is crucial for whole Pakistan.
He regretted that in past no serous steps were taken to save water in the country. He said saving water is necessary for this country and nation.
Prime Minister Khan said the government of Sindh is responsible for improving conditions of Karachi. He said the burning issues of the megacity include public transportation and supply of clean water. He said due to unplanned growth Karachi seems like a concrete slab spreading fast. He said there is dire need to stop the megacity from further spreading. There is a need of solid planning to in this regard.
Imran Khan said that they would make a master plan of Karachi soon. There is a huge problem of commuting in Karachi and 10 projects for public transport would be launched in the city. He said that Karachi is the most populous city of Pakistan and it is high time for a serious planning to resolve its issues. He said halting uplift process in Karachi has already affected whole Pakistan. He said Karachi has more slums than any other city in Pakistan and the plan to uplift slums would now be implemented.
Khan said that Karachi package includes 10 projects of public transport. This city needs a master plan to resolve its problems. He said in water and sewerage sector 7 projects would be launched under the package. He said a campaigning would be initiated in Karachi to save water. He said no one thought to construct huge reservoirs to save water.
Imran Khan also announced to establish a government university in Hyderabad on. He said that RO plants worth Rs1 billion rupees would be made available in Tharparkar, besides two medical mobile units.
He said paying loans and interests consumes almost one-third of our national revenue. Prime Minister Imran Khan also inaugurated Bagh Ibn Qasim. Addressing on the occasion, he said that gradually Karachi’s lands including parks went into the hands of the encroachment mafia.
He said we need to work for restoration of parks, playgrounds and green areas in Karachi. He said cricketer Javed Miandad has told him that the playgrounds of his childhood are occupied by encroachers now.
The Prime Minister said that Karachi needs more greenery. He regretted that forestlands were occupied in both Sindh and Punjab. He said urgent steps are needed to give Sindh more tree cover. He said 10 billion trees will be planted throughout Pakistan. He said Pakistan is at eighth in top10 countries affected by global warming. He added if we did not take action now our coming generations will not forgive us.