Karachi, Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar, has directed various civic agencies and departments to urgently address numerous issues plaguing Karachi, emphasizing the need for immediate improvements in the city’s infrastructure and services.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, Justice Baqar ordered the transport department to expedite the construction of the Green Line Corridor from Numasih to the Old Radio Pakistan building on M.A Jinnah Road. This directive came after the cancellation of the contract with the firm initially working on the corridor, necessitating its re-tendering to ensure the project’s extension.
In a meeting at CM House, attended by key figures such as Minister LG Mubin Jumani, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, and various other department heads and officials, Justice Baqar addressed several civic issues. He expressed concern over the dilapidated state of the Civic Centre, directing the Director General of the Karachi Development Authority to renovate and improve its condition, particularly the unhygienic washrooms.
Regarding the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), the Chief Minister instructed the Director General to conduct an audit of dangerous buildings and take necessary actions to prevent loss of life. He also demanded a report on actions taken against illegal constructions and builders of substandard buildings, with instructions to cancel their construction licenses if necessary.
The CM focused on the state of JPMC and Civil Hospital, directing the Secretary of Works to visit and ensure their repair and maintenance. He emphasized the importance of these hospitals and called for immediate attention from the concerned agencies. Additionally, he instructed Mayor Karachi to devise and share a detailed improvement plan for Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.
Addressing the issue of ghost employees in local bodies, Justice Baqar ordered municipal commissioners, local government, and the finance department to verify employment records, remove ghost employees, and report back to him.
The Chief Minister also directed departments to cease the practice of assigning additional charges to officials unless absolutely necessary. On the topic of encroachments, he instructed deputy commissioners to regularize pushcarts to alleviate traffic congestion while allowing their economic activities to continue.
Justice Baqar expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, highlighting the city’s persistent cleanliness issues despite significant government spending. He warned of the need for improved performance in waste management.
Finally, the CM directed all towns to initiate tree plantation drives, improve cleanliness, ensure functional drainage systems, and remove encroachments. He criticized the increased cost of saplings by the forest department, calling for an end to this corrupt practice and urging the Director of Parks KMC to enhance the city’s greenery.