Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab today launched a sharp critique against his political adversaries on Thursday, issuing a “public notice” to Jamaat-e-Islami for allegedly “insulting the people,” while simultaneously laying the foundation stone for significant road construction and rehabilitation initiatives in the city”s District Central.
Accompanied by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad and other officials, Mayor Wahab announced that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has commenced development work in several union committees, with undertakings rapidly progressing in Liaquatabad Furniture Market, Gharibabad, and Bhangoora Goth.
The extensive infrastructure schemes involve laying 205,000 cubic feet of sub-base and 220,000 cubic feet of aggregate base course. Additionally, 430,000 square feet of paver blocks, with thicknesses of 60mm and 80mm for enhanced durability, will be installed to improve local road networks.
“Upon completion, these projects will significantly improve traffic flow, ease public movement, and fulfill the promise of providing quality municipal facilities to citizens,” Wahab stated, affirming that the Sindh Government and KMC are taking all possible measures to serve the people.
During the ceremony, the Mayor also proposed naming a street in Liaquatabad after the late qawwal, Shaheed Amjad Sabri, to honor his legacy. “His family still resides here. The PPP leadership has always honored the people of this area,” he remarked.
Wahab leveled direct criticism at his political opponents, questioning their performance despite receiving substantial funding. “We exposed their propaganda, after which they received Rs. 27 billion in funds – now they are doing a little work,” he said, adding that some town administrations were failing to properly utilize funds collected from road cutting for restoration purposes.
He clarified that the KMC was undertaking the road construction in a spirit of public service, even though the road does not fall under its jurisdiction. “I am not afraid of them and will continue to expose their hypocrisy and double standards before the citizens,” the Mayor declared.
The Mayor also paid rich tribute to Begum Nusrat Bhutto, the Madar-e-Jamhooriat (Mother of Democracy), lauding her as a symbol of courage and determination whose struggle strengthened the foundations of democracy in Pakistan.
He highlighted the Pakistan Peoples Party”s commitment to national unity, citing President Asif Ali Zardari”s “Pakistan Khappay” slogan and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari”s advocacy for harmony among all provinces. He underscored the party”s farmer-friendly policies, noting that a prosperous agricultural sector is vital for a strong Pakistan.
In a separate update, Mayor Wahab confirmed that a city-wide anti-mosquito fumigation campaign is in full swing to combat dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. He noted that KMC has equipped every UC Chairman with fumigation machines to ensure a coordinated response.
He again questioned his opponents, asking, “What are the UC Chairmen of Jamaat-e-Islami doing regarding the fumigation campaign?” He stressed that the primary role of municipal representatives is to serve the public, urging them to set political differences aside for public health and welfare.