Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has called on the prime minister of Pakistan to fulfil his promises regarding Karachi while urging the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) to clarify its stance on local government powers.
He also confirmed receiving a response letter from Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori stating that he would reply to the letter soon. He said this while speaking at the inauguration of development projects around the Machi Miani Market on Sunday. He was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Javed Nagori, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Works Director General Tariq Mughal, elected municipal representatives and local PPP leaders.
Wahab emphasised that the Old City Area was the place where the city was founded and assured that municipal issues in the region would be addressed on a priority basis. He noted that the biggest problem in the area had been the faulty sewerage system, which had now been resolved.
Criticising the Sindh governor, he remarked that instead of attending Iftar and Sehri parties, the governor should focus on addressing the city's problems. He reiterated his call for the federal government to release the promised Rs100 billion for Karachi’s development, adding that efforts would also be made to improve the Karachi-Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway.
Wahab criticised the MQM-P for shifting stance on local government powers, pointing out that while the party previously supported grassroots governance, it now advocated for the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation Limited (PIDCL) to take over Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) responsibilities. He urged the MQM-P to take a clear position instead of remaining ambiguous on the matter.
He affirmed that Karachi’s development would continue under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stating that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) believed in the politics based on service. He maintained that the PPP was actively working to fulfil its pre-election commitments.
Highlighting ongoing development projects, the mayor announced that 150,000 square feet of paver blocks had been installed around the Machi Miani Market to enhance public convenience. He stated that extensive development work would be carried out over the next two years and two months, ensuring that every street in Karachi echoed with the slogan of "Jiye Bhutto".
Addressing social media rumours regarding Shahrah-e-Bhutto, he dismissed them as baseless and confirmed that he had contacted the SSP, who assured him that police patrol continued in the area. He stated that Shahrah-e-Bhutto would be completed up to Quaidabad by mid-April, with the entire project expected to be finished by the end of the year. The mayor also underscored efforts to resolve the city's water shortage confirming that development projects were actively being carried out in Keamari Fish Market and Lyari. He asserted that no obstacles would be tolerated in development projects.
Water scarcity
On the occasion of World Water Day that was observed a day earlier, the mayor, who is also the chairman of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), emphasised the importance of water conservation and sustainable management.
In his statement, he highlighted this year's World Water Day theme that focuses on the protection of glaciers. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equal water access for all the citizens of Karachi.
Wahab stated that water was a fundamental human right, and preventing it from getting wasted was everyone's responsibility. He stressed that in the face of rising global temperatures and anticipated droughts, every drop of water was precious, and it was crucial to conserve water today to deal with the effects of climate change.
The mayor mentioned that efforts were under way across the city to address the water shortage, with various projects being implemented in collaboration with the Sindh government. These include the completion of the Hub Canal project and the construction of modern chlorination stations, which would improve the clean water supply to citizens. He urged the citizens to use water resources efficiently to ensure that future generations could have access to sufficient water.