Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab Launches Development Initiatives Worth 513 million Rupees

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inaugurated several development projects across the city with a total investment of Rs. 513 million.

The mayor kicked off the initiatives by inaugurating road rehabilitation, restoration of paver blocks, and sewerage work in Orangi Town, amounting to Rs. 122 million. He then proceeded to lay the foundation for new development schemes in various union councils within District East. During a media briefing at Safura Town and in various UCs of Gulistan-e-Johar, he highlighted that these projects would involve the installation of 482,400 square feet of paver blocks on roads, as well as 307,800 square feet of road carpeting.

To address long-standing drainage issues, the development efforts will include the installation of 14,000 running feet of new sewerage lines. The mayor emphasized that upon completion, these projects will provide residents of District East with improved, sustainable infrastructure that enhances both transportation and drainage systems.

He further noted that 25,000 to 30,000 running feet of existing sewer lines will be repaired, along with the installation of 600,000 to 650,000 square feet of paver blocks and the carpeting of 125,000 square feet of roads. The next phase of the projects will include developments near Disco Bakery, Khudadad Colony, and Patel Hospital.

The inauguration event was attended by Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Juman Darwan, District President Iqbal Sand, General Secretary Riaz Baloch, Ms. Musarrat Niazi, and other elected representatives.

Later, addressing a gathering at Hussain Hazara Goth (UC-8) in Gulistan-e-Johar, the Mayor criticized past leaders for their inaction in improving local conditions. He stated that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is committed to undertaking development work in all 246 union councils of Karachi without discrimination.

He remarked that the UC where he spoke should have been under PPP control, but illegal "China cutting" had taken place in the area. "While others may hold positions symbolized by a scale, it is the PPP workers who are actually doing the work," he asserted.

"Problems cannot be solved through mere statements and press conferences; one must take action on the ground. Whether people vote for us or not, we care for everyone. This is the PPP’s philosophy—to serve all without discrimination," he emphasized.

Mayor Wahab pointed out that while the PPP controls only 106 official roads, it is actively working on improving inner streets and neighborhoods. “Although other institutions collect property and trade taxes, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is conducting the work under the PPP’s administration,” he added.

The mayor subsequently laid the foundation for additional projects in the Lines Area, UC-11 of District East, which will include the restoration of streets and internal roads, improvements to the drainage system, cleaning of stormwater drains and sewer lines, and the installation of durable paver blocks. This project will involve the carpeting of 188,000 square feet of roads and the installation of 110,400 square feet of tough paver blocks, along with the laying of 14,000 running feet of drainage lines to resolve long-standing drainage problems in the area.

He stated that this project marks a significant step toward improving urban infrastructure and ensuring residents have access to basic amenities that will directly benefit local communities.

The mayor also announced that he recently visited District West, including areas like Orangi Town, Mominabad, and Manghopir, where two towns are under PPP control and one is controlled by PTI. "This fiscal year, we plan to invest Rs. 1.5 billion in District West, and the tender processes for the projects have already been completed," he assured.

He committed to continue with similar development work across all districts of Karachi. “People will witness who is genuinely working to improve infrastructure and who is merely making statements. We are ready to collaborate with anyone who wants to work sincerely,” he stated.

Mayor Wahab also announced that a new canal from Hub Dam will be inaugurated on August 14, 2025, which will significantly enhance the city’s water supply. He informed that fumigation equipment has been distributed to all UC chairpersons to combat diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Regarding the issue of illegal hydrants, the mayor mentioned that only seven hydrants are authorized in the city and that any violators will face strict consequences. "I am not the federal government, MQM, or Jamaat-e-Islami. I will enforce the rule of law," he asserted.

Referring to the Frere Hall incident, he noted that when brass statues were stolen, there was little media coverage, but his administration managed to recover them along with the brass lions.