Red Line delay a matter of embarrassment, says Wahab

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has conceded that the delay in the Red Line corridor construction has become a matter of embarrassment for the government.

He made this remark on Wednesday during a visit to the Mazar-e-Quaid on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the founder of the country. He was accompanied by the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Mohammad and other elected representatives.

The mayor assured the media that he would take up the issue of the delayed Red Line project in the upcoming Trans Karachi meeting. He, however, clarified that the Trans Karachi project did not fall under his jurisdiction and stated that he would inquire about the timeline for the Red Line project’s completion in the meeting.

He also criticised the Jamaat-e-Islami for resorting to protests over water shortage in the city. He announced that water supply from a new canal in Hub was expected to start in August next year. He highlighted that development work was ongoing across the city and questioned the performance of the JI, asking what its elected representatives had achieved in the nine towns of Karachi under their responsibility.

Contradicting claims of water shortage in Karachi, the mayor asserted that there was plenty of water in the city. He berated the JI’s protesters for wasting water on a road during their protest drive.

Paying tribute to the Quaid-e-Azam, Wahab called for following his principles to ensure progress. He urged everyone to adopt Jinnah’s vision to put Pakistan on the path of development.

The mayor also extended his congratulations to the Christian community on Christmas, expressing solidarity with them in their celebrations. He reaffirmed that all the minorities in Pakistan enjoyed equal rights.

He spoke on Karachi’s significance as both the birthplace and final resting place of the Quaid-e-Azam. He praised Jinnah’s selfless leadership, which led to Pakistan’s independence, and noted that his wisdom and foresight helped overcome the challenges of the Pakistan Movement.

"Quaid-e-Azam was not just an important leader for Muslims but for the world. His life remains a beacon of guidance for us. He gave us our beloved Pakistan, and now it is our duty to strengthen this country," Wahab said.

The mayor also acknowledged the Sindh chief minister’s allocation of Rs1.5 billion for the repair of roads damaged during the monsoon rains. He recognised that University Road remained a significant concern for the public.

Talking about his recent visit to Orangi Town, he said he was warmly received there and highlighted that roads had been constructed in the area for the first time in 45 years. He stated that despite resource constraints, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had achieved self-sufficiency.

Criticising the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the mayor argued that no substantial progress was made for Karachi during the PTI’s tenure. He emphasised his commitment to preserving the city’s culture, pointing out that "wearing a sherwani does not make someone a Muhajir" and that Karachi cannot be governed from Islamabad.