Karachi's Mayor Urges Federal Government to Allocate Export Development Funds

By: Aziz Khatri

In a formal communication to the Federal Minister for Commerce and Chairman of the Export Development Fund (EDF) Board, Jam Kamal Khan, Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has voiced serious concerns regarding the longstanding neglect of the city in the allocation and usage of Export Development Funds. The Mayor has called on the federal government to ensure that Karachi receives its fair share of funding, acknowledging the city's vital contribution to Pakistan's economy.

Mayor Wahab pointed out that Karachi accounts for roughly 55% of the country’s total exports, asserting that it serves as the economic heartbeat of Pakistan. Despite this significant contribution, Karachi has not reaped the benefits it deserves from the Export Development Fund, designed to enhance and support export infrastructure nationwide.

“It is unfortunate to note that there has been no significant contribution made by the Export Development Fund to catalyze Karachi’s export sector,” Mayor Wahab remarked in his letter. “Unjust allocation and utilization of funds contribute to the perception that Karachi is being ignored by the Federal Government.” The Mayor further highlighted the rapid expansion of Karachi, the nation's largest city and economic hub, which is continually experiencing growth in both population and industrial output. This development necessitates increased investment in infrastructure, logistics, and export-related facilities. Wahab emphasized that any allocations of development funds must accurately reflect the city's contributions and unique needs. To ensure transparency and accountability, he has called on the EDF Board to reveal how funds have been distributed across Pakistan over the past decade, along with specifics regarding any planned projects for Karachi. “There will be no economic stability without Karachi’s inclusion in national funding initiatives,” the Mayor stated firmly. “Ignoring its rightful share is not only unjust but also detrimental to the overall growth of the country.”

Expressing confidence in Minister Jam Kamal’s leadership, Mayor Murtaza Wahab is advocating for prompt and corrective action to ensure Karachi is no longer overlooked in federal initiatives aimed at enhancing export promotion.