In a significant step toward enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening municipal service delivery, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has inducted a new fleet of heavy vehicles into the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). The initiative aims to improve mobility and effectiveness in carrying out essential municipal functions while promoting the independent utilization of KMC’s own resources. The procurement was financed through proceeds generated from the auction of obsolete vehicles, with an allocation of Rs. 110 million approved for the purchase of heavy-duty vehicles, including mount trucks, acquired from FAW Automobile Industries. A vehicle distribution ceremony was held at the KMC Head Office, where Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab formally handed over the vehicles to the Engineering Department, Anti-Encroachment Department, Parks Department, and Veterinary Department.
On this occasion, Parliamentary Leader in the KMC City Council Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, KMC officers, and other staff members were also present. Addressing the ceremony, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is incurring expenditures for the improvement of civic amenities from its own resources and budget. He stated that KMC’s revenue has been increased through a positive strategy and that available resources are being utilized in an effective manner. He added that KMC now has sufficient resources to carry out development works simultaneously, from neighborhood streets to major infrastructure projects.
The Mayor Karachi informed that, with the approval of the KMC Council, a decision was taken to auction unused and scrap items, as a result of which Rs. 227 million were generated. Using these funds, five new heavy vehicles were purchased. Two vehicles have been allocated to the E&M Department, while one vehicle each has been provided to the Anti-Encroachment, Parks, and Veterinary departments. He further stated that five more vehicles will soon be purchased for various departments, while the repair of five buses has also been completed.
Mayor Karachi said that the new heavy vehicles will prove effective in field operations, will accelerate the process of removing encroachments in the city, and will further improve work related to parks and urban beautification. These measures, he added, will significantly enhance the overall performance of KMC departments.
Speaking about development projects, the Mayor Karachi said that work is underway on Jahangir Road and the alternative road of Natha Khan Bridge, and that he himself will visit these projects. Work on the Bhains Colony flyover is also progressing rapidly, and he expressed hope that this long-standing issue of the people of Malir will be resolved within the next few weeks. He announced that a new flyover will be constructed on the route from Shahrah-e-Bhutto to the airport, adding that the target is to complete ongoing development works within 100 days.
Mayor Karachi said that this year is the year of development projects and that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is going to spend Rs. 46 billion across the city. Development activities are underway in every district and every area of the city, and the progress is clearly visible. He stated that Rs. 600 million will be spent in the Old City area, benefiting residents of Jodia Bazaar, Lee Market, and Napier Road, while the ongoing works on Shahrah-e-Liaquat will also be completed soon.
He further said that the Korangi Causeway bridge will soon be opened for citizens, while the EBM Causeway has been completed by the representatives of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He added that the Baloch Colony Expressway, Murghi Khana Flyover, and other projects will also soon be presented to the citizens as gifts. It was also announced that different phases of the Red Line project will be opened for the public in March and July.
Responding to a question, Mayor Karachi said that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is visiting Karachi and will be provided full security and protocol; however, the city cannot be allowed to be held hostage. He said there is no objection to political activities, but traffic in the city should not be paralyzed.
Talking about the issue of stray dogs, the Mayor Karachi said that if neutering is carried out, one group becomes unhappy, and if culling is done, another group objects; however, he is a supporter of animal rights and a humane and balanced solution to the issue will be adopted.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab concluded by saying that if intentions are clear, the destination becomes easier. Resources will be spent on the improvement of the city, and the coming time will be better for the citizens of Karachi.