Governor distances himself from Kamal’s ‘movement’

Ebad links ex-mayor’s efforts to the spirit of 18th Amendment; inaugurates

work on unfinished Lyari Expressway portion after release of Rs45 million

Karachi

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad on Thursday rejected the impression being created in the media that he supported the dissident faction of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) led by former mayor Mustafa Kamal, and likened his movement with the process of devolution of powers to provinces under 18th constitutional amendment. 

He uttered these remarks while replying to questions during his visit to the unfinished North-bound portion of the Lyari Expressway.

When asked to comment on Mustafa Kamal, the governor said certain conspiracy theories were already being propagated about him when he had already stated that he was just studying and observing this recent ‘political’ development. 

“Had it been the case, I would have been on the forefront,” he remarked, when asked if he backed Mustafa Kamal — the de facto chief of MQM's dissident group.

“I have only been reviewing the situation,” he said. “I think the development can be compared with the 18th Amendment. The spirit of the 18th Amendment calls for devolution of powers and putting an end to the concentration of powers. Political parties sat together to settle unnecessary concentration of powers and came up with the amendment to the constitution.”  

For the former mayor, he said as such there was no way available in political parties. “So in my opinion, Kamal’s comeback to politics is a lot like the 18th Amendment.”

Lyari Expressway

Meanwhile, during his visit to the Lyari Expressway the governor said resumption of the construction work on the second track, pending since 2008, was welcome news for the people of Karachi because it would ensure better movement for commuters.

He was speaking to the media near Essa Nagri with Sindh transport minister Mumtaz Ali Jakhrani, local government minister Jam Khan Shoro, Commissioner Karachi Syed Asif Hyder Shah and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Administrator Roshan Ali Shaikh. Ebad said people of Karachi had been dreaming of the completion of Lyari Expressway for a long time.

He said all hurdles had been removed now and work had finally resumed. He claimed the remaining portion of the Lyari Expressway would be completed within 18 months.

For now, he said, Rs45 million have been released for starting construction work while the remaining amount will also be provided soon. The governor said though the expressway would not lessen traffic congestion, it would ensure connectivity to different roads and save valuable time for commuters. He said after improving the overall law and order situation, steps were also being taken to accelerate the overall development process and ensuring all basic amenities of life to the masses.

When asked, the governor said according to the initial survey there had been 15,000 houses in the way of Lyari Expressway, and the number increased considerable due to various claims.