Irfan Aligi
KARACHI: During a press briefing held at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) headquarters, Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced that the year 2026 will be significant as it will see the successful culmination of various development undertakings in Karachi.
At the start of this year, it was made clear that 2026 would be the year for finishing essential development projects, and he noted that tangible efforts are now in motion to realize that promise.
He revealed that the KMC is engaged in 1,058 development initiatives which encompass road construction and rehabilitation, restoration of historical sites, and the enhancement of local streets throughout different neighborhoods to better serve the community.
The Mayor indicated that although Karachi serves as Pakistan’s economic center, numerous business districts have deteriorated over time. To combat this problem, a budget of Rs. 750 million is allocated for revamping the Old City Area. Ongoing development activities are taking place around Lee Market, Khajoor Market, and Bolton Market, along with improvement efforts near the City Courts Karachi.
Furthermore, he mentioned that another Rs. 1 billion will be directed towards upgrading additional commercial areas within the city. Work has already commenced at the Nursery Furniture Market, frequented by thousands every day, and this project is anticipated to finish shortly after Eid. Construction initiatives have also begun on the roadway stretching from Ankle Saria Hospital to NJV School, and enhancements to the marketplace under the Qaidabad Flyover are included in the development strategy as well.
The Mayor pointed out that activities have commenced in the Banaras neighborhood, with ongoing projects in 24 markets throughout the municipal boundaries, involving costs that exceed Rs. 1 billion.Emphasizing the importance of preserving Karachi’s cultural heritage, the Mayor stated that restoration is currently in progress at the historic Empress Market.
Efforts are being taken meticulously during Ramadan to avoid disrupting the businesses of local traders. Notably, the 150-year-old clock at Empress Market has been refurbished, and a parking facility for 300 vehicles has been added.
He also mentioned that the century-old KMC Building is in the process of being restored and has been upgraded to utilize solar energy.
The old market at Denso Hall has been fixed, upgrades at the Hassan Ali Hoti Market have been finalized, and restoration efforts for Soldier Bazaar Market, Machhi Miani Market, and Cantt Station Civil Lines Market are currently active and projected to be completed by June 30.
The Mayor addressed the challenges citizens face due to the poor state of Hub River Road and Tori Bangash Road, indicating that development efforts on Tori Bangash Road are now underway, with an investment of Rs. 1 billion.
He reaffirmed KMC’s commitment to advancing development across all seven districts of Karachi.
He revealed that the Bird Aviary Project is in development at Kidney Hill Park with a budget of Rs. 200 million, where 500,000 trees have already been planted in collaboration with the Sindh Forest Department and local communities.
Additionally, a public park is under construction at Gutter Baghicha, and Rs. 500 million will be allocated for building the central road that links Gulshan-e Hadeed with Steel Town.
He noted that Murad Ali Shah, the Sindh Chief Minister, has recently opened the Khalid Bin Waleed Flyover, while work is currently progressing on a flyover at Azeempura Intersection to eliminate the existing traffic signals.
The Mayor mentioned that significant corridors such as Shahrah-e Faisal and University Road are undergoing enhancements due to increased traffic resulting from the Karachi BRT System initiative.
A project worth Rs. 4 billion has been designed to upgrade four key corridors.
He also pointed out that, given the lack of new graveyards in the city for many years, the establishment of new burial grounds is planned at a cost of Rs. 430 million, as the current capacities at Tariq Road and Issa Nagri have reached their limits.
The Karachi Mayor announced the completion of Memon Goth Road within two months, the planned inauguration of an IT Park in Shadman Town, and the finishing of the sports facility on Mauripur Road by May 31.
He disclosed that the KMC has embarked on a project to build a 25-acre sports stadium in Baldia Town at a cost exceeding Rs.1 billion, while 26 main roads throughout the city will either be constructed or restored at an expense of Rs. 5.5 billion.
The Mayor indicated that solar street lights will be deployed citywide with a budget of Rs. 1 billion, in addition to another Rs. 1 billion dedicated to the enhancement of stormwater drainage systems.
The plan also includes the removal of encroachments from 7,000 roads and the construction of an alternative route to the Natha Khan Bridge.
He added that Rs. 15 billion will be allocated through the Provincial ADP, Rs. 11.6 billion via the District ADP, and Rs. 13 billion will focus on the renovation of 139 streets and roads across Karachi.He stated that the KMC alone is investing roughly Rs. 67 billion into various development initiatives, while other organizations, including the Karachi Development Authority, the Safe City Project, and the Transport Department, are carrying out their own programs.
He emphasized the importance of public funds as a trust, dedicated exclusively to enhancing the city.
Although the challenge posed by encroachments persists, the KMC is making significant efforts to address it.
He underlined that cooperation from all neighborhoods is essential, asserting that the challenges facing Karachi can only be overcome through collective action.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Sindh government is allocating Rs.10 billion to the Safe City Project, Rs.100 billion for the Karachi Yellow Line BRT, and Rs.77 billion for the K-IV Water Project.
The Mayor stated that the economic situation of KMC has seen improvement, and notable advancements have been achieved in addressing pension matters.
He recognized that choices related to development may attract criticism; however, he emphasized that efforts will persist with a focus on balance and openness to enhance the city’s welfare.
