Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that the tough decisions taken over the past two years are now yielding positive results. “We have shown honest and upright people how to serve the public using taxpayers’ money. Some hypocrites do not like that hope is returning to the city, but with public support, we will continue this journey,” he stated.
The Mayor said that on June 19, 2023, the people of Karachi honored the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari himself attended the oath-taking ceremony of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. “Whenever Chairman Bilawal meets us, he always asks what steps are being taken to resolve the problems of the citizens,” Murtaza Wahab said. “We are members of the Pakistan Peoples Party, we are Karachiites, and we are proud to be working day and night to improve our city. The media should now tell the people who merely talk and who actually work.”
He expressed these views while addressing the ceremony held after laying the foundation stone for the construction of inner streets in Union Councils 7 and 8 of District Central. Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Dil Muhammad, members of the City Council, and district officers were also present on the occasion.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the total cost of this project has been set at Rs. 160.136 million. Around 50,000 cubic feet of material will be used for the road’s construction, while 165,000 square feet of area has been allocated for carpeting.
He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party is carrying out development work across Karachi without any discrimination. “The promises we made to enhance public convenience and beautify the city are now being fulfilled,” he said.
Mayor Wahab stated that the pace of development in Karachi has become visible. “We are spending Rs. 35 million on the areas surrounding Burns Road and the Secretariat, while Rs. 28 billion will be spent this year on development projects.”
He mentioned that construction work is ongoing on 106 roads across Karachi, and both roads and markets are being gradually shifted to solar energy systems to help reduce the city’s energy crisis and provide citizens with affordable electricity.
“The PPP is undertaking development work in Karachi without any bias,” he reiterated. “I do not claim that the city has been completely transformed, but our journey of public service continues. The people of Karachi have given us respect, and we will return that respect through our work.”
The Mayor said that during his visit to Bolton Market, Jodia Bazaar, and Bottle Gali the previous night, people told him that development work was being carried out there for the first time in 40 years. “The era of extortion and mismanagement in the city is over. Street vendors and encroachments must be removed-roads and footpaths are meant for the public, not for occupation.”
He clarified that KMC is not collecting parking fees; it is the town administrations that are doing so. “With public cooperation, I will eliminate paid parking from the city. If anyone wants to challenge illegal parking, they should approach the court. We will eradicate hypocrisy and double standards and bring about a transparent system.”
Mayor Wahab also announced that the Hyderi Parking Area would be restored and that a new road is being built to connect the Lyari Expressway along Gujjar Nullah.
He reaffirmed his commitment that the Pakistan Peoples Party will continue its mission of public service and, under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, will make Karachi a city of lights and progress once again.