KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced a local holiday in Karachi on Thursday, June 19, 2025, on the occasion of the annual Urs of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi.
According to an official notification issued by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), all offices under its jurisdiction will remain closed on that day, except those involved in essential services.
The notification, issued by the Senior Director of Human Resources Management (HRM), states that, “The Competent Authority, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, is pleased to declare a local holiday on 22nd Zill-Hajj, 1446 A.H., corresponding to Thursday, 19th June 2025, on the occasion of the Annual Urs of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (R.A.), in accordance with Council Resolution No. 594, dated 27-01-2005, passed by the City Council, Karachi.”
Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi was an 8th-century Sufi saint, believed to have come from Saudi Arabia. He is buried in Karachi, and his shrine located in Clifton is a prominent spiritual and cultural site. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine every year during his Urs to pay their respects.
Karachi 19 June 2025 Holiday Announced:
It should be noted that, as per the notification, all offices under the jurisdiction of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) shall remain closed on June 19, 2025, on the above occasion, except for offices providing essential services.
On the other hand, Mayor Murtaza Wahab has announced the launch of project-backed municipal bonds to raise funds for Karachi’s development, marking a new chapter in the city’s financial strategy.
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Speaking at a gong ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, Wahab made history by becoming the first Karachi mayor to ring the PSX bell.
He shared plans for collaboration between the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the PSX to fund long-term development projects. These projects will benefit the KMC, Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), and Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB).
One of the key projects includes building a multi-story parking plaza near the PSX building on I.I. Chundrigar Road, aiming to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. Another similar parking structure is planned at the Railway Ground, with funds already allocated but awaiting final approvals.
“Our city has valuable assets,” Wahab said. “Through municipal bonds, IPOs, and special purpose vehicles, we can generate funds without depending on the federal or provincial governments.”
He also mentioned a proposed water supply project from Haleji Lake, which could provide up to 65 million gallons of water daily — serving as a model for asset-backed financing.
