PM Imran announces Rs162 billion package for Karachi

KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday announced Rs162 billion package for Karachi, stressing the need for a chalking out a master- plan for nation's commercial hub.

The prime minister said as many as 18 projects would be undertaken under Karachi package including 10  for transport.

"A master-plan is required to solve the problems facing Karachi," the premier said at a press briefing.

Prime minister Khan also underscored the need for vertical development in order to stop expansion of the city which he said become an obstacle in  providing basic amenities. 

He said the government would also construction of high-rise buildings in the city to restrain the expansion.  

"Karachi seems like a concrete slab," he said and urged the Sindh government to preserve green areas in the city.

"There is a need to stop Karachi from further expansion," he said, adding that his government would hammer out a master-plan. 

Talking about water shortage, he said  no campaign was  launched in the Karachi to save water. He said big water reservoir could be built by saving water.

He said Karachi's development was  vital for the development  of the entire country .  

The prime minister said the Sindh government was responsible for looking after the city.

The prime minister also inaugurated Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim and lauded Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar for launching the project.

The Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to the metropolis, will also hold important meeting regarding development projects in the city.