Mayor Karachi Meets Delegation of Baldiyati Reporters Association

By: Aziz Khatri  

Karachi: A delegation from the Baldiyati Reporters Association, led by President Shahid Mustafa, met with Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab. The meeting focused on the city’s ongoing development projects, the fiscal budget for 2025-26, and activities at the municipal level.  

The mayor informed the delegation that development projects worth Rs. 10 billion have been initiated in the current fiscal year. These projects include road construction, park restoration, drainage system improvements, and enhancements to overall infrastructure. He also noted that all projects under the Rs. 18 billion Annual Development Programme (ADP) will be completed within the next two years.  

The mayor mentioned that the Korangi Causeway is slated for completion by October 15, while Shahrah-e-Bhutto is expected to finish by December 30. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the map of the Islamia College roundabout in Jinnah Town.  

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab invited Baldiyati reporters to visit and inspect the ongoing development works to raise public awareness of the current situation. He emphasized the vital role that journalists play in improving the city, serving as a bridge to convey accurate information to the public.  

During the meeting, the mayor also discussed plans for rehabilitating key parks and cultural sites in the city, including Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, Safari Park, Garden, Frere Hall, and Sadequain Art Gallery. He announced that CSS preparatory classes are being held at Frere Hall to provide better educational opportunities for the youth.  

With the cooperation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Mayor announced the construction of two modern parking plazas to address the city’s parking challenges.  

Barrister Murtaza Wahab stated that efforts are underway to restore the city’s historic buildings to their original glory. Following the successful restoration of Khaliq Dina Hall, Frere Hall, and Empress Market, the Denso Hall and Library have now also been renovated and opened to the public. He added that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is in the process of digitizing all its assets to preserve the city’s heritage and educate the younger generation about Karachi’s rich history.  

The mayor invited Baldiyati reporters to visit the newly renovated Max Denso Hall and participate in the city’s development efforts. Sharing his vision, he expressed hopes for holding literary, cultural, and educational events in this historic building, including gatherings for Hamd and Naat recitals, Qawwali performances, intercollegiate debates, poetry readings, and short story sessions.  

Mayor Karachi affirmed that KMC’s budget for the restoration of Denso Hall was used transparently and that accountability and transparency are priorities in all municipal operations.  

Regarding the charged parking system, he noted that improvements are being made to enhance its efficiency so that citizens can benefit from the facility.  

In conclusion, Mayor Murtaza Wahab appreciated the media’s role in highlighting public issues and assisting the government in improving its policies. He commended the support of the media and emphasized that local government values this collaboration.