The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Karachi has strongly refuted opposition criticism regarding ongoing development initiatives, labelling such objections as politically motivated and detached from facts.
According to a statement today, Karamullah Waqasi, spokesperson for the Mayor of Karachi and the party’s Parliamentary Leader in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, emphasised that the PPP”s leadership prioritises tangible performance over mere rhetoric in transforming the metropolis.
Mr Waqasi underscored the extensive scale of ongoing projects, citing the Red Line BRT, Monwar Chorangi Underpass, Pehlwan Goth Road, and Azeempura Flyover as key initiatives poised to reshape the city’s infrastructure. He further noted that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah”s directives for expedited work, enhanced quality, and swift citizen relief exemplify the party’s dedication to performance-led administration.
Addressing remarks from opposition leader Haleem Adil Sheikh, Mr Waqasi asserted that political rivals are resorting to unsubstantiated claims, visibly unsettled by the substantial development spearheaded by the PPP. He also rebuked criticism from Muneem Zafar Khan, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, urging a shift from “token politics” to an acknowledgement of existing realities. Mr Waqasi specifically accused Jamaat-e-Islami of overseeing the rapid deterioration of a road in Soldier Bazaar within days of its construction, contrasting it with the perceived disregard for large-scale, multi-billion rupee development schemes.
The spokesperson stressed that these ongoing undertakings are designed not only to alleviate traffic congestion but also to enhance urban mobility and stimulate economic growth. He maintained that the PPP leadership is diligently striving to restore Karachi”s iconic status as the “City of Lights,” while adversaries, in his view, confine themselves to mere rhetoric.
Turning to Lyari, Mr Waqasi highlighted the PPP’s commitment to the area through significant projects spanning education, health, and infrastructure. The establishment of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari has reportedly broadened access to higher education for numerous students. Concurrently, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari has opened pathways for local young people to embark on medical careers, supplemented by the renovation of government colleges and the completion of new academic facilities.
Within the healthcare sector, Lyari General Hospital has seen upgrades, incorporating modern amenities and enhanced trauma and emergency provisions. Likewise, Sindh Government Hospital Lyari now provides sophisticated medical equipment, complimentary medicines, and laboratory diagnostics. Specialised chest pain units have also been inaugurated to deliver prompt cardiac attention.
Regarding infrastructure, progress continues under the Lyari Transformation Programme (exceeding Rs25 billion), which involves the rehabilitation of crucial thoroughfares like Mirza Adam Khan Road and the rebuilding of internal lanes. New water supply networks are being laid to mitigate shortages, and obsolete sewerage systems are being replaced with contemporary drainage infrastructure.
Driven by the vision of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, ongoing endeavours aim to evolve Lyari into a contemporary and developed urban locality. The party asserts that persistent investment across education, healthcare, and vital services is actively addressing historical deprivation within the district, thereby integrating Lyari into Karachi’s wider developmental agenda.