KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced that the city administration has started the rehabilitation of 106 roads, which will be completed within 60 days.
Speaking to the media during his late-night visit to different areas of the city on Saturday, Wahab said the funds collected from Karachi’s people will be spent on developing the city’s infrastructure.
“We have started this work, and we will complete this project with full commitment,” he stated. Wahab added that similar road restoration projects will also begin soon in seven other districts.
While inspecting ongoing work on Shahrah-e-Faisal, the PPP leader said, “We believe in taking practical steps for the welfare of the people.”
He also criticized past administrations, alleging that during the Musharraf regime, development projects carried out by government departments were promoted with pictures of Mustafa Kamal displayed on them.
Later in the day, Mayor Wahab inaugurated the country’s first Mangrove Biodiversity Park at Korangi Creek. According to a press release issued by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), this is the first biodiversity park focused on mangroves in Pakistan and also the first floating park in the country.
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The project was developed in collaboration with the Sindh Forest Department. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Wahab said the park marks an important step toward mangrove protection and raising public awareness about the environment.
He praised the involvement of the real estate sector in supporting environmental projects, calling it a positive sign for future generations. The mayor said he brought his young son to the event so he could learn about the importance of nature from an early age.
Wahab appealed to civil society and the business community to support this initiative and announced plans to establish another mangrove park near the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) building. He urged other authorities, including Port Qasim and KPT, to create similar parks to boost environmental protection efforts.
The mayor noted that whenever efforts are made for the city’s betterment, various obstacles arise, but the administration remains committed to its mission. He invited civil society, the media, and businesses to share ideas and work together to make Karachi modern and eco-friendly.
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Speaking about public parks, Wahab highlighted that Bagh Ibne Qasim, despite being a 130-acre park, receives only about 130 visitors daily, questioning why citizens prefer private clubs over public spaces.
Located along Korangi Creek, the new mangrove park was designed by environmentalist Shah Murad Aliani and developed with architect Tariq Alexander Qaiser. Built with minimal environmental impact, it uses 80% recycled and natural materials like wood, bamboo, and upcycled fishing nets.
The park features floating pathways, interactive learning boards, and a floating education center, offering a unique experience to visitors. It is home to 72 bird species, including kingfishers, egrets, and Eurasian curlews, as well as mudskippers and fiddler crabs living among mangrove roots.
