Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, laid the foundation of a new road and drainage system project from Khawaja Ajmeer Nagri Chowrangi to Dedex Road, Manghopir, in the West District. The event was attended by PPP Karachi General Secretary Rauf Nagori, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Juman Darwan, elected representatives, and a large number of local residents.
Addressing the ceremony, Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that the project would improve traffic flow and the drainage system in the area. The estimated cost of the project is over PKR 35 crore 83 lakh, and it includes the construction of an approximately 2-kilometer-long and 9.9-meter-wide road with footpaths and kerb blocks on both sides. The project also includes the installation of a stormwater drainage system, repair of 48-inch diameter lines at various points, and laying of a new water supply line. Sewerage system improvements will involve raising manholes and winching sewer lines to ensure effective rainwater drainage and reduce problems for local residents.
He said that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is taking practical steps to improve infrastructure and accelerate development projects citywide to provide modern and quality facilities to citizens. Speaking to media, the Mayor said that the area where he stood had never had a road built before. Various political parties had come and made big promises, but no practical work had been completed. He thanked the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for trusting a party worker with the position of Mayor, calling it an honor for him.
The Mayor emphasized that Karachi is a bouquet of diverse communities, and everyone must play a role in maintaining its beauty. He said that PPP had solved the long-standing problem of Manghopir residents and expressed his desire to make every area of Karachi like Sharae Faisal. Unfortunately, representatives elected from these areas do not check on the public after winning elections. He added that representatives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are actively working in all areas of Karachi. Quality grounds and community centers are being built in Manghopir, and the performance of PPP will counter hypocrites and envious elements, making this year a milestone for Karachi’s development.
He stated that PKR 4.6 billion is being spent on city development, with uniform development activities across all districts. The Sharae Faisal-Azeem Pura Bridge will be inaugurated soon. He emphasized that PPP’s manifesto and promises made by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to the public are being fulfilled, showing people who kept their promises and who did not.
The Mayor noted that Karachi has been home to many great people, but in the past, no attention was paid to the cleaning of the Hub Reservoir-a task now undertaken by PPP. A new pumping station is being established in Manghopir, construction of the Mominabad pumping station is underway, and water issues in Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Lyari are being addressed. Hub Reservoir cleaning and other issues will be completed before Ramadan. Development work continues in all seven districts without discrimination, and citizens will soon benefit from it.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that previous mayors often claimed they lacked resources and powers, but now the work continues. He stated that work is progressing rapidly on Jehangir Road, Sharae Bhutto, and Murghi Khana Bridge.
Regarding the victims of the Gul Plaza incident, he announced that KMC will provide 1,200 stalls at Polo Ground Barah Dari for affected shopkeepers. He said PPP, the Sindh government, and KMC stand with the victims, and all possible support will be provided to traders during Ramadan.
The Mayor also strongly condemned the blast at a mosque in Islamabad, saying that terrorism must be condemned at every forum. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and stated that targeting a place of worship during Friday prayers is extremely regrettable and condemnable. He added that attacks on worship places are against humanity and social values. Injured persons must be provided immediate and the best medical facilities. Such acts of terrorism are a moment of reflection for the entire nation. In this time of grief, the nation stands with affected families, and elements against peace must be confronted with unity and solidarity.