Karachi, The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) held a general body meeting under the chairmanship of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, where 13 resolutions were approved, addressing a range of issues from cultural preservation to infrastructure development and public welfare.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the meeting began with prayers for Palestinians martyred in Gaza and victims of a recent fire in a Karachi shopping mall. Two resolutions were passed unanimously, condemning Israel’s aggression and urging international and Muslim powers to intervene in Gaza. The council demonstrated a commitment to addressing both local and international concerns affecting the community.
Key resolutions included the establishment of the Karachi Metropolitan Museum under the Department of Culture and Sports, aimed at preserving historical references of Karachi for the last 70 years for public awareness. Another significant approval was for the creation of the Enforcement and Implementation Department in KMC. This new department is expected to enhance the city’s sanitation and safety and increase revenue. It will include positions such as Director (Chief Inspector) and Additional Director, with employees drawn from various KMC departments.
The council also approved naming an underpass after Palestine Martyrs and resolved to use land formerly part of Alladin Park for the Bus Depot of the Trans Karachi (BRT) Red Line Project. Additionally, concerns were raised about the non-development of the red line project from Safoora Chowrangi to M.A. Jinnah Road and the green line extension from M.A. Jinnah Road under BRT, recommending that the federal government expedite these projects.
Other resolutions passed addressed the imposition of an annual levy or tax on all BTS (Mobile Phone Towers) under KMC’s jurisdiction, per the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 (Amended 2023). The council also decided to increase the Imprest account funds for the Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition in KMC and the Katchi Abadis Department. The use of 100% of the charges received from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for its operation was also approved, alongside a resolution demanding an immediate end to gas load shedding in the city.
These resolutions reflect KMC’s efforts to address diverse aspects of city management, from cultural heritage and infrastructure development to public utilities and services, indicating a comprehensive approach to urban governance and development.