Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab today launched a sharp critique against political rivals, accusing them of abandoning the city after making unfulfilled promises, as he laid the foundation for new road and paver block schemes worth over Rs 281 million in District Central.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mayor Wahab asserted that individuals who had been shown trust by Karachi”s citizens failed to resolve their problems. He claimed these figures have since relocated to Lahore, only returning to the city weekly “merely to stage protests on its roads, adding to the public’s inconvenience.”
The Mayor contrasted this with his party”s approach, stating the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has consistently followed a manifesto of serving the public without discrimination. “We do not see whether an area belongs to the PPP, MQM, Jamaat-e-Islami, or Muslim League; for us, every area belongs to Karachi’s people, and serving them is our mission,” he stated.
The newly initiated projects in District Central, valued at more than Rs 281 million, will involve extensive rehabilitation. The Mayor detailed that the works include laying over 350,000 cubic feet of aggregate base course, 330,000 square feet of carpet work, and installing more than 350,000 square feet of paver blocks.
Construction is now underway on internal roads in UC-7 and UC-8, with carpeting and paver block installation proceeding rapidly in several sectors of New Karachi Phase-II. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve commuting convenience and enhance traffic flow in the densely populated district.
Wahab highlighted that these schemes are part of a wider, city-wide service initiative by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) aimed at restoring 106 major roads, playgrounds, and parks. “We understand that when an ordinary citizen leaves home, a smooth road, a clean environment, and access to basic facilities are his right,” he emphasized.
The Mayor also leveled specific accusations regarding financial mismanagement by previous town administrations. He pointed out that in North Nazimabad, Rs 2.5 billion were collected in road-cutting fees, but the ground realities did not reflect that investment. He assured that the PPP-led KMC is now constructing the necessary roads and stormwater drains in the area.
This year, the administration plans to spend Rs 28 billion on improving Karachi”s overall infrastructure, with development work becoming visible across the metropolis. “Relief will be provided to citizens in every area of Karachi through practical work,” Wahab vowed.
Further plans include the improvement of Manghopir Road and ongoing discussions with the federal government for the construction of flyovers at Power House and 4-K Chowrangi. He also mentioned an enhancement of the E-Challan system to issue strict electronic fines against heavy vehicles to improve traffic discipline.
Reiterating his commitment to tangible results over symbolic gestures, the Mayor said, “The people of Karachi do not want symbolic gestures – they want real, practical service.” He concluded by pledging that the journey of progress will continue as the KMC works to build a “cleaner, better, and more modern” city.