KARACHI:
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has announced that rehabilitation work on rain-damaged roads across the city will begin this Sunday, marking the start of repairs on 106 major arteries under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) jurisdiction.
The announcement came during his visit to the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the occasion of the founder’s 77th death anniversary. Wahab laid a floral wreath, offered Fateha, and wrote his impressions in the visitors’ book before speaking to reporters.
“Whether Karachi is half or full, it is still our city,” he said. “We are reaching every corner to serve its people.”
Wahab stressed that solving Karachi’s problems requires cooperation among all stakeholders. “Every mayor in the past has pointed out the need for a clear command structure. Decisions cannot be delayed any longer institutions must sit together and move forward,” he added.
He noted that after instructions from the Sindh chief minister, institutions including the Commissioner Karachi and Traffic Police were working jointly to address the city’s challenges. He confirmed that road clearance efforts were already underway, but long-term rehabilitation would formally begin on Sunday.
“Karachi’s roads have suffered extensive damage, but repairing and rebuilding them is my responsibility as mayor,” Wahab said, emphasizing that the city’s 106 main highways fall under KMC’s authority.
Taking aim at political rivals, he accused opposition figures of exploiting the situation for point-scoring rather than contributing to relief. “When Shahrah-e-Bhutto developed cracks after the floods, certain leaders rushed there not to help, but to taunt us. These same political actors are nowhere to be found during times of crisis. They prefer television studios and social media over actual service,” Wahab remarked.
He also pointed to the unprecedented flow in the Lyari and Malir rivers, calling it a sign of climate change. “Anyone who still refuses to recognize climate change is a fool. We have never witnessed the rivers flowing with such force before.”
Responding to questions about stagnant water on University Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and Mahmudabad, Wahab said responsibility for those areas lies with other local administrations. He accused them of failing to deliver while spreading false statements instead.
Speaking about the Shahrah-e-Bhutto project, Wahab said work was progressing in phases. “The first stretch, from Qayyumabad to Shah Faisal Colony, is complete. The second, from Shah Faisal Colony to Quaidabad, has also moved forward, while the third phase up to Kathor is under construction. This project is being criticized without reason,” he argued.
He also contrasted the reaction to Karachi’s floods with the situation in Punjab, saying, “When natural disasters struck Punjab, no one criticized the government there. Even Bilawal Bhutto never resorted to criticism in such times. But here, political opponents only fuel negativity. Let them say what they will our morale will not break.”
Calling for unity, Wahab urged other political groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI, to take responsibility in their own administered towns. “I respect Noor Haq, Bahadurabad, and Insaf House institutions. Wherever it comes to serving the people of Karachi, I stand with them,” he said.
