Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited Mazar-e-Quaid on the occasion of the 149th birth anniversary of the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA), and paid a splendid tribute to the Father of the Nation. He laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum on behalf of the citizens of Karachi and offered Fateha. On the occasion, KMC City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, elected representatives and others were also present.
Talking to media representatives, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation, especially the people of the city of Karachi, on the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA). He said that 25 December is a historic day when a great leader of the Subcontinent and the Muslim world, the Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA), was born. This day reminds us of the great leader’s struggle, sacrifices and vision, as a result of whose tireless efforts and hard work we were blessed with an independent state of Pakistan.
He said that due to the selfless, principled and prudent leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA), Pakistan came into existence. During the Pakistan Movement, Quaid-e-Azam (RA) faced every challenge with wisdom, perseverance and foresight, and played a historic role in securing a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent. Quaid-e-Azam (RA) was not only a great leader of Pakistan but also an important leader of the world, particularly of Muslims.
The Mayor said that Karachi has the distinction of being the birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA), and that he is also laid to rest in this very city. He emphasized that only by following the guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam (RA) can we put the city and the country on the path of development, stability and prosperity.
Mayor Karachi said that the life, struggle and principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA) are a guiding light for us, and that as a nation we must move the country forward in accordance with the thoughts and principles of the Founder of Pakistan. He added that as a free citizen, and on behalf of the people of Karachi, he expresses gratitude to Quaid-e-Azam (RA) for the great gift of freedom he bestowed upon us-an act of kindness that will always be remembered. He said that the purpose of visiting Mazar-e-Quaid today is to understand Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and ideas, and to reaffirm how we can translate his thoughts into practical action.
The Mayor further said that the importance of 25 December is not limited to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday alone, but is also significant in connection with the festival of Christmas. On this occasion, he extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community across the country, stating that “we are equal partners in their happiness,” and that this day conveys a message of interfaith harmony, love and tolerance.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grant happiness to all humanity and give us the ability to prioritize humanity, serve the people, and promote peace, brotherhood and love in society.
Responding to a question, Mayor Karachi said that if any political party is sincere about the welfare of Karachi and Sindh, and assures that it will effectively present and fight the case of this city before the federal government, he will stand with it. He regretted that unfortunately Karachi is not receiving any practical support from the federal government, despite the fact that the city earns the highest foreign exchange for the country.
He said that demands have repeatedly been made to the federal government to grant Karachi its rightful share. Even Karachi’s traders-who form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy-are awaiting development grants from the federal government, but regrettably, they too have not received any such grants. He added that development grants for Karachi are currently being provided by the Sindh government, whereas since the federal government earns foreign exchange from this city, it is also its responsibility to allocate adequate funds for Karachi.
Mayor Karachi informed that the Chief Minister of Sindh has announced a development package of over Rs 9 billion for Karachi’s industrial areas, and a meeting in this regard has already been held. He assured that these funds will be utilized with complete transparency within the next six months to provide basic facilities to the industrial areas.
He concluded by saying that this year is the year of development works, and that all available resources are being utilized to serve the city in a better manner.