Study Tour of KMC Building by Final Year Students of Habib University under the City Institute of Image Management

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: In a collaborative initiative between the City Institute of Image Management and the NGO CBN, final-year students from Habib University conducted a detailed study tour of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) head office. Over 30 students participated in this educational visit, which aimed to provide firsthand exposure to urban governance, municipal structure, and public services.

The study session took place in the committee room of the KMC head office, where Financial Advisor Gulzar Abro briefed the students on the KMC's structure, which includes Union Councils, Towns, and Districts. He also discussed the KMC's annual budget, financial planning, and municipal services.

Ikhlaq Ahmed, the Coordinator to the Mayor of Karachi, was present during the visit. The students had the opportunity to meet with Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, where Director Secretariat Athar Iqbal welcomed them and provided a thorough briefing on local government administrative matters.

The group was also given a guided tour of the historic Silver Jubilee Clock Tower, receiving insights into its architectural and historical significance. During their visit to the Land Management System (LMS), Deputy Director Ghazi Ghulam Mustafa Ali presented old archival maps and land records, demonstrating how these records are scanned, digitized, and preserved. Discussions also included the current city administration's efforts in leveraging technology.

At the 1339 Complaint Center, Director Nazim Hussain Rizvi explained the process of complaint registration, tracking, and resolution. He informed the students that citizens can follow up on their complaints at any time using their complaint number an important step toward transparency and accountability.

In the Council Hall, senior trainer Mukhtar Zaman Khan delivered a comprehensive lecture on the performance of the municipal council, including its meetings, resolutions, and working mechanisms. Later, trainer Irfan highlighted the architectural significance and historical evolution of the KMC building, familiarizing the students with the institution's journey from past to present.

The study tour was overseen by Director CIIM Muhammad Shahid, who expressed gratitude to all the students, faculty, and organizers. He also conveyed appreciation messages from Mayor of Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, and Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, thanking the students for their interest in learning about the local government system up close.