Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced the launch of a significant development project in District Central, marking the third such initiative within a week. The project aims to enhance the infrastructure of Union Councils 7 and 8, with an allocated budget of Rs. 160.136 million. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public facilities and urban aesthetics across Karachi.

Mayor Wahab stated that the decisions made over the past two years are beginning to show positive outcomes. He emphasized the importance of utilizing taxpayers’ money effectively and noted that public support remains strong despite criticism from some quarters.

The announcement follows the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) victory in the local elections, with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari showing active interest in Karachi’s development. Wahab highlighted that Bilawal regularly inquires about advancements in addressing citizen issues, underscoring the party’s commitment to the city’s progress.

The ceremony to lay the foundation stone attracted key figures, including Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad and other city officials. The project will involve extensive road construction, employing 50,000 cubic feet of material and covering 165,000 square feet for road carpeting.

Mayor Wahab reiterated that the PPP is executing development projects throughout Karachi without bias. He mentioned ongoing projects on 106 roads and efforts to transition markets and roads to solar energy, aiming to alleviate the city’s energy challenges.

He recounted his recent visit to areas such as Bolton Market and Jodia Bazaar, where residents expressed gratitude for the first major development in decades. Wahab assured that the era of mismanagement is over and emphasized the need to clear encroachments to reclaim public spaces.

Addressing parking issues, Wahab clarified that parking fees are collected by town administrations, not the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. He pledged to eliminate paid parking with public cooperation and stressed the need for transparency and fairness.

Mayor Wahab also announced plans to restore the Hyderi Parking Area and construct a new road connecting the Lyari Expressway along Gujjar Nullah. He reaffirmed the PPP’s dedication to public service and its mission to restore Karachi’s status as a thriving metropolis under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s leadership.