Karachi, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab emphasized the need for transparent policy-making and action against illegal land activities in Karachi. Addressing the issues of halted auctions and land allotments, he highlighted the uncompleted work on the Orangi Cottage Industrial Zone Scheme, initiated by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to foster economic prosperity and local employment.

According to Media KMC, the Mayor spoke during a ceremony at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation office, where plot possessions in the Orangi Town Cottage Industrial Zone were handed over to allottees. Present at the event were Municipal Commissioner Syed Afzal Zaidi, PPP Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the city council Dil Muhammad, and other officials.

Mayor Wahab recalled the People’s Party’s efforts to revive the Orangi Town Cottage Industrial Zone, a project dating back 30 years. He acknowledged the importance of cottage industries in sparking a socio-economic revolution and affirmed his commitment to use government land transparently and legally, possibly through public-private partnerships or auctions. He urged political unity in the Charter of Karachi to protect citizens’ rights to their land.

The cottage industry scheme, spanning 348 acres with 3,946 plots, aims to support those who lack resources for larger land purchases or bank loans for industry setup. Mayor Wahab apologized for the delay in plot possession and promised further development projects to eliminate illegal land occupation and honor legitimate allottees.

Addressing the city’s broader challenges, Mayor Wahab highlighted the need for federal, provincial, and local government collaboration for better service to Karachi. He also mentioned efforts to resolve issues like the Cattle Colony Landhi land, where KMC has not profited despite the land’s high value. The Mayor stressed the importance of constructive discussion in the upcoming City Council meeting to address Karachi’s problems.