KARACHI: As the federal budget announcement draws near, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab urged the federal government to give Karachi its fair share of resources.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) head office, Wahab said Rs100 billion should be allocated as a development grant for the city (Karachi).
He appealed to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and all political parties to play their role in Parliament to secure funds for Karachi. “Everyone talks about empowering local governments, but true support for Karachi is still missing,” Wahab said.
146,801 Tonnes of Waste Cleared During Eid
The mayor praised the city administration and sanitation staff for their work during Eidul Azha. He said 146,801 tonnes of offal and garbage were shifted to the landfill sites at Jam Chakro, Gond Pass, and Sharafi Goth.
From June 7 to June 9 alone, 95,164 tonnes of offal and 51,637 tonnes of garbage were removed. He said 96 collection points were set up across 25 towns, and residents could report complaints through a 24/7 helpline (1128). Of the 3,699 complaints received, 97.4% were resolved, Wahab said.
The operation involved town chairpersons, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), and elected representatives. “Small vehicles picked up waste from neighbourhoods and took it to collection points, from where it was transported to landfill sites using dumpers,” he added.
Praise for Workers, Warning for Critics
Wahab thanked all sanitation workers and officials who stayed on duty during the Eid holidays. He said lime was spread after waste removal, fumigation was done, and main roads were washed with rose water. Landfill sites were also kept clean.
He said the city administration, in collaboration with the police, launched a crackdown on the “charbi mafia” involved in illegal fat collection. A total of 348 people were arrested and 144 FIRs registered.
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Wahab said complaints from areas like Jehangir Road and Tariq Road were quickly addressed, and overall cleanliness in District Central had improved compared to last year.
He admitted that some issues occurred in New Karachi, and action was taken against responsible staff and contractors. He said Lyari, usually a problem area, also showed good improvement.
Drain Cleaning to Start on June 20
The mayor announced that drain cleaning tenders had been issued in all seven districts, with funding from the provincial government. He said small-scale winching operations would also be carried out, and that cantonment boards had used garbage transfer stations during Eid.
Wahab said fire brigade teams remained active during Eid and that development schemes worth Rs37 billion had been submitted to the Sindh government for the next budget. He called for unity and said political differences were harming the city. “When something goes wrong, the mayor is blamed. But when something goes right, others take the credit,” he remarked.
He urged Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Monem Zafar to work with him for Karachi instead of criticising through press conferences. “Karachi is improving, but we continue to pull each other down,” he said. “This Eid, there was no bad smell, only negative politics.”
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He also urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to help solve Karachi’s water problem, saying, “The water source is over 125km away. We have now passed the matter to the federal government. If the PM helps, we’ll hold a joint press conference.”
Wahab expressed hope that Mustafa Kamal and the PPP would support Karachi in the National Assembly. He also reminded government officials that they are not allowed to run propaganda on media or social platforms.
“I’m not here for political fights. Let’s work for the city,” he said.
Strict Traffic Rules for I.I. Chundrigar Road
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has decided to enforce strict traffic rules on I.I. Chundrigar Road to ease congestion. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered a complete ban on parking from Shaheen Complex to Merewether Tower and from Muhammad Bin Qasim Road to Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road up to S.M. Law College.
This road, often called Karachi’s “Wall Street,” houses the Pakistan Stock Exchange and major financial institutions.
Traffic police informed the CM that parking on footpaths and roads would be strictly prohibited. However, motorists may use the Railway Ground for parking.
Murad Ali Shah directed authorities to take action against illegal parking, traffic rule violations, and vehicles with fancy or unauthorized number plates.
