Karachi: The US Consul General, Scott Urbom, met with the newly appointed Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation headquarters on Thursday to discuss the city’s development, challenges, and the potential for future cooperation between Karachi and the United States.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the meeting served as an opportunity for Consul General Urbom to congratulate Mayor Wahab on his recent appointment and to discuss various mutual interests that concern both Karachi and the US. The discussions highlighted Karachi’s role as an economic powerhouse in Pakistan, encompassing major industrial zones, an international airport, and two significant ports.
Mayor Wahab outlined the city’s critical issues, including the need for a master plan to handle its burgeoning population and infrastructural demands. He noted that Karachi’s water pipeline system, which is over 50 years old, struggles to meet the demands of the city’s rapid expansion and population growth. Projects like the Hub Canal and a new desalination process are underway to address these water shortages. Additionally, Mayor Wahab emphasized the city’s financial strategy, mentioning that a significant portion of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s budget is allocated to salaries and allowances, making public payment of municipal taxes crucial for funding development projects.
Mayor Wahab also stated that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is working closely with the Sindh government, benefiting from provincial assistance for various development initiatives. He highlighted the political representation in the city council, noting the inclusion of transgender members for the first time and reiterated the Pakistan People’s Party’s commitment to economic improvement and liberal policies.
On his part, US Consul General Urbom expressed his satisfaction with his first assignment in Pakistan and remarked on the strong, historical relations between Pakistan and the US. He expressed optimism about strengthening ties and expanding mutual cooperation in the future.
The meeting concluded with Mayor Wahab expressing gratitude for the visit and hopes for ongoing collaboration with the US consulate to promote further development in Karachi.