Shadab Ground Revamp Kickoff: Karachi Mayor Bets on Sports Boom

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: In a significant move to uplift sports facilities in the city, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Shadab Football Ground in Gulberg Town, District Central. The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, and various elected representatives, alongside a large crowd of enthusiastic citizens.

The project comes with a hefty price tag of 196 million rupees, with an expected completion timeline of six months. Covering an extensive area of 16,510 square meters, the revamped ground will dedicate 10,400 square meters specifically to football, while the remaining space will encompass a park and an Eidgah area. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), in collaboration with the Katchi Abadi and Land Department (KALC), is spearheading the restoration efforts.

During the ceremony, it was highlighted that the newly renovated ground will feature modern amenities, including pavilions, stores, a comprehensive sewage system, restrooms, children’s play structures, adequate lighting, seating arrangements, green belts, and designated walking paths for women and senior citizens. So far, over 10,320 square meters of grass have been planted, accompanied by the planting of 134 trees, 183 shrubs/plants, and 70 ground cover plants.

Mayor Wahab emphasized the importance of this project in fostering positive engagement for the youth. "Our priority is to restore sports grounds in every district of Karachi so that young people have access to positive and healthy activities," he stated. "If sports grounds flourish, the future of our youth will also be bright. Providing recreational and healthy environments for citizens is our top priority, and the Shadab Football Ground project is a continuation of this vision."

The mayor noted that the Shadab Ground has historical significance as a location that has served the public for sports and Eid gatherings. Despite its previous deterioration, this initiative signifies a commitment to revitalizing such spaces. He assured that significant restoration efforts would extend beyond the football ground to include old building preservation and enhancements of public recreational facilities throughout the city.

Wahab reassured attendees that the restoration of other venues, such as Kikri, Gazari Football Stadium, and Sherpao Ground in Lyari, has already been completed, and plans for a large sports complex in Kemari are underway. "Our goal is to complete this project on time, with the ground expected to be fully operational for public use by November 2025," he added.

Highlighting ongoing development efforts across densely populated areas, Wahab mentioned plans to invest 5 billion rupees in improving basic facilities in District Central, alongside repairs and restoration of major roads like Rashid Talab Road and Landhi Kotal Road.

He also indicated plans to visit Karachi Metropolitan University, signaling a proactive approach to advancing education sector facilities. "Our government and all institutions are unified in purpose. Our sole objective is to serve the people and contribute to Pakistan’s progress,” he asserted.

In a stirring conclusion, Mayor Wahab reminded all present of the sacrifices made for freedom and the collective responsibility to protect it. He expressed hope that collaborative efforts from MQM-Pakistan and Jamaat-e-Islami would enhance the welfare of Karachi’s residents, underscoring that development projects would persist relentlessly and equitably across the city.

As the ceremony concluded, the mayor’s message echoed the aspirations of all present — a pledge to rejuvenate not just a football ground, but an entire community through improved civic amenities and a focus on the well-being of its youth