KARACHI: The Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has formally requested Rs100 billion in federal funding for the city’s development.
Mayor Karachi has stated that he has written a letter to the Governor of Sindh regarding the Karachi Development Package.
In the letter, the Mayor of Karachi expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Sindh, saying, "I am grateful that you are taking a keen interest in the development of Karachi. We have always maintained that the federal government is not taking an interest in the construction and development of Karachi, and this city remains deprived of its fair share in development projects."
He further stated, "I am thankful that you have offered to secure Rs. 100 billion from the federal government for Karachi. In my letter, I have also highlighted the projects that require financial support from the federal government." The Mayor emphasized that urban regeneration projects are crucial to improving Karachi's deteriorating urban landscape.
He mentioned that some of the worst-affected areas in Karachi fall under the federal government's jurisdiction and suggested that the Governor should assist KMC in initiating urban regeneration projects in Pakistan Quarters, Jamshed Quarters, and Martin Quarters.
The Mayor also pointed out that the Old City Area and business districts contain valuable federal government properties. He proposed that parking plazas should be constructed in these locations, particularly on land provided by the Sindh government to Pakistan Railways at MA Jinnah Road and II Chundrigar Road.
Mayor Karachi informed the Governor that KMC, with its own resources and assistance from the Sindh government, is already carrying out extensive development work. However, it would be commendable if the federal government also played its part in Karachi’s development.
He stated that the projects for which federal funding has been requested will not only have a positive impact on the country’s business environment but will also help address environmental challenges.
Proposed Projects & Requested Federal Funding: Construction of an expressway from Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Port Qasim via National Highway – Rs. 14 billion, Rehabilitation, expansion, and widening of Northern Bypass to Karachi Port – Rs. 35 billion, Establishment of a drug rehabilitation center at Gutter Baghicha – Rs. 2 billion, Construction of Administration & Academic Blocks at Karachi Metropolitan University – Rs. 3 billion, Expansion of Safari Park – Rs. 5 billion, Development of a 200-acre Green Zone at Gutter Baghicha – Rs. 2 billion, Coastal area restoration in Karachi – Rs. 5 billion, Cleaning and restoration of Karachi Harbor – Rs. 5 billion, Construction of a slaughterhouse & processing facility at Northern Bypass – Rs. 3 billion, Water recycling project at Korangi Creek – Rs. 5 billion.
