Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Thursday laid the foundation stone for various development projects in different union committees (UCs) of District Central. Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Deputy Parliamentary Leader in City Council Dil Muhammad, Jumman Darwan, Shakeel Khan Sherwani, Jamal Nasir, Haji Farhan, and a large number of citizens were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Mayor Karachi said that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has officially launched road construction and rehabilitation projects in several UCs of District Central. Under these projects, development work is rapidly progressing in Liaquatabad Furniture Market, Gharibabad, and Bhangoora Goth areas.
He informed that a total of 205,000 cubic feet of sub-base and 220,000 cubic feet of aggregate base course will be laid, while 430,000 square feet of paver blocks will be installed. He added that 60mm and 80mm paver blocks are being used to ensure road durability. Upon completion, these projects will significantly improve traffic flow, ease public movement, and fulfill the promise of providing quality municipal facilities to citizens.
Mayor Wahab stated that development projects are ongoing across the city to provide better commuting facilities. “The Sindh Government and KMC are taking all possible measures to serve the people,” he said.
On this occasion, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab also paid rich tribute to Madar-e-Jamhooriat (Mother of Democracy) Begum Nusrat Bhutto, saying that she upheld the banner of democracy in the most difficult times and dedicated her life to democracy, sacrifice, and service to the nation. “Begum Nusrat Bhutto’s struggle strengthened the foundations of democracy in Pakistan. She remains a symbol of courage and determination for women,” he added. “The leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) salutes her unparalleled sacrifices and services.”
Mayor Wahab further said that the Liaquatabad street is known by the name of another son of Karachi – Shaheed Amjad Sabri. He proposed that the road be named after Shaheed Amjad Sabri to pay tribute to his legacy. “His family still resides here. The PPP leadership has always honored the people of this area, and these development projects will directly benefit the shopkeepers of the Furniture Market and local residents,” he added.
He said that the Chief Minister of Sindh had approved several development schemes for the area through CLICK, and that the work is continuing under the leadership of Chairman PPP. “We are telling people on the ground that holding press conferences or collecting donations doesn’t solve problems – practical work does,” he remarked.
Criticizing political opponents, the Mayor said, “Ask the so-called righteous people what they are doing. We exposed their propaganda, after which they received Rs. 27 billion in funds – now they are doing a little work.” He added, “Funds collected from road cutting are meant for road restoration, but some town administrations are failing to utilize them properly.”
He clarified, “We are constructing this road even though it does not belong to KMC, yet we are doing it in the spirit of public service.” Mayor Wahab said, “I issue a public notice to Jamaat-e-Islami for insulting the people. I am not afraid of them and will continue to expose their hypocrisy and double standards before the citizens.”
He further stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always been a responsible political party, striving for the strength of the federation and the welfare of the people. “President Asif Ali Zardari has always raised the slogan ‘Pakistan Khappay’, a symbol of national unity and harmony,” he said. “Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is the guarantor of the federation and advocates for unity among all provinces. President Zardari has consistently emphasized harmony and consensus across all provinces to ensure a stronger Pakistan.”
Mayor Wahab added that Sindh’s tradition is to help even those who were once opponents. “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari courageously represented the farmers affected by floods and succeeded in securing the official wheat support price to ensure fair compensation for their hard work,” he said.
“The PPP’s policies are always farmer-friendly because when farmers are strong, Pakistan is strong,” the Mayor stated. “We believe in dialogue conducted with respect and dignity and consider politics as a means of serving the people.”
He concluded by reaffirming that under the leadership of the PPP, the ongoing development and public welfare projects will continue, and the journey of progress will move forward in every part of the city.
In his remarks, Mayor Wahab also said that an anti-mosquito fumigation campaign is in full swing across the city to effectively curb dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. “KMC has provided every UC Chairman with fumigation machines, and the campaign is being conducted in a well-coordinated and systematic manner with encouraging results,” he said.
He urged citizens to maintain cleanliness in their neighborhoods and fully cooperate with fumigation teams to eliminate infectious diseases. Questioning his political opponents, the Mayor asked, “What are the UC Chairmen of Jamaat-e-Islami doing regarding the fumigation campaign?” He emphasized that the role of municipal representatives is to serve the people, setting political differences aside to prioritize public health and welfare.