Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has announced that restoration work on 106 roads under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will begin on Sunday, following damage caused by recent rains. He stressed that Karachi belongs to its citizens, and solving its problems requires collective efforts. He added that if Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI-administered towns also cooperate, the challenges can be resolved more effectively.
Criticizing his political opponents, Wahab said some “political actors” only appear when it is time to criticize but are never seen when it comes to actual work. “In my life, I have never seen the Lyari and Orangi nullahs flowing with such intensity,” he remarked. He noted that development works are ongoing on Shahrah-e-Bhutto and Hub Canal, while the Quaidabad phase is under construction and will soon bring relief.
On the 77th death anniversary of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the mayor visited his mausoleum, laid a floral wreath, offered prayers, and recorded his remarks in the guest book. Speaking to the media, Wahab said the question of who holds authority over the city should be directed at the prime minister or federal ministers. “All I can say is that Karachi is ours, and resolving the problems of its citizens is our duty,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Sindh government and the Chief Minister for urging collective action but emphasized the need for stronger coordination. “Karachi is ours, whether whole or divided. We are serving the people wherever needed,” Wahab said.
He reiterated that a clear command structure is necessary, as past mayors have also suggested, and urged all stakeholders to sit together and make decisions. Following the CM’s orders, the commissioner, traffic police, and other agencies have been working jointly to ensure road clearance and related measures.
The mayor announced that road repair and restoration will officially begin on Sunday, noting that the 106 major arteries managed by KMC are his direct responsibility. Defending the Shahrah-e-Bhutto project, Wahab said unwarranted criticism is being made despite the first phase already being completed and subsequent phases progressing rapidly.
Aiming at rivals, Wahab said, “These political actors are nowhere to be found in times of crisis. They only sit on TV and social media to criticize. Those who fail to understand climate change are simply ignorant.” Responding to concerns about flooding in University Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and Mehmoodabad, he said those local roads fall under neighborhood representatives “who prefer dishonesty over service.”
He added, “First, some people had grudges against the PPP, and now they seem to have grudges against Karachi itself. When Punjab faced natural disasters, no one criticized, and Bilawal Bhutto even went there to support. No matter how much opponents attack us, our resolve will not weaken.” Wahab concluded by saying that Jamaat-e-Islami’s Idara Noor Haq, PTI’s Insaf House, and MQM’s Bahadurabad offices are all respectable to him. “If they work for the people of Karachi, I will stand with them,” he said.
