Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said today that 2025 would be the year of development projects in Karachi, and practical actions would demonstrate that development work were ongoing in the city.
He said this while speaking to the media representatives after inaugurating the newly constructed roads, sewerage systems, and footpaths in Nazimabad Number 4, 2, and Ghareebabad on Wednesday, along with Deputy Mayor of Karachi, Salman Abdullah Murad. During the event, Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the City Council, Dil Mohammad, Jumman Darwan, Director-General of Engineering Tariq Mughal, and other officials and elected representatives were also present.
Mr Wahab said: “There are always those who break water lines, but under our tenure, new water lines are being laid. If any negligence occurs, investigations will be conducted. Development schemes worth Rs250 million have been completed in District Central. Solving the problems of Karachi residents is one of our top priorities.”
The mayor says the Pakistan Peoples Party works on projects that benefit the public. Under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto, the journey of improvement and development will continue.” He hopes that the prime minister would announce development projects worth billions of rupees during his visit to Karachi. The prime Minister should take steps that will alleviate issues such as electricity load shedding and make life easier for the people of Karachi.
Wahab emphasized that public convenience projects are our primary focus. He mentioned that he, along with the Deputy Mayor and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation staff, is working in District Central. The road carpeting work has been completed at the location where they were present, and pure blocks and tough tiles have been installed. He noted that in the local by-elections, the residents of the UC had supported them. He said that photographs were taken with the date to show the public the work being done.
He also stated that despite PPP not having any of the five towns in District Central, work was still being carried out because solving the problems of Karachi residents was their duty. “Multiple development works have been completed in District Central, including the repair of roads from Liaquatabad to Teen Hatti, improvements to the sewage system, and the installation pure blocks and carpeting at various locations. Work is progressing rapidly on projects like Shahra-e-Noor Jahan and Sangam Ground.” He emphasized that Sangam Ground is being developed not for their own benefit but for the residents of the area.
He said that when they came to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, each UC was allocated Rs500,000, but through negotiations with the government, they managed to increase this allocation to Rs1.2 million. They have also increased resources for the towns. Regarding Shahra-e-Noor Jahan, they are building it, and the permission for cutting comes from the town. “If a manhole cover is missing in my UC, then it is my responsibility to replace it.”
He highlighted the issue of manhole covers being stolen because they are being sold. He expressed sadness over the death of a child who fell into an open manhole in Shah Faisal Colony and said that the local UC chairman should take responsibility. He also urged the police to regulate the scrap market.
He acknowledged that some issues exist in the city, such as the theft of manhole covers, and stated that investigations would be conducted, and action would be taken against those responsible for it. He further pointed out that it took 29 years for the federal government to complete the Lyari Expressway, but the Malir Expressway was completed quickly under our government and is now suitable for heavy traffic.
Regarding the Bolton Market dispute, which dates back before his birth, he mentioned that its resolution had brought 25 new offices and significant revenue to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. A whole floor in Bolton Market now allows parking for 300 vehicles. He expressed a desire for similar improvements across the city. Mayor said: “He plans to discuss with the Prime Minister the possibility of creating parking space on railway land around II Chundrigar Road.”
He also discussed the issue of heavy traffic passing through Korangi Road, Landhi, and Shahra-e-Pakistan. While he believes that heavy traffic should be directed to the Lyari Expressway, he noted that Mustafa Kamal opposed this idea.
He expressed a wish for the elephants at Safari Park to be moved to a larger and better space for their welfare. He stated that for the past two years, all work had been done at the request of Four-Paws, and now Sri Lankan doctors had provided guidance to KMC. He concluded by reaffirming that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation was seriously addressing the city’s issues and that PPP would fulfill every promise made to the public.