Uplift schemes worth Rs4.8bn okayed for city’s UCs: Wahab

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced that development schemes worth Rs4.8 billion have been approved for the city’s union committees (UCs), with each UC to receive Rs20 million.

Wahab said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government has increased the fund allocation for each UC from Rs500,000 to Rs1.2 million to ensure progress in neighbourhoods and streets.

“Even if a single brick is laid in this city, it’s done by the PPP. We’re working, and the public must take ownership of these projects. The biggest challenge is to improve the perception of this city, which has no inherent flaws.”

During a meeting of the PPP’s parliamentary party leaders in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s City Council, the mayor announced the approval of 240 schemes for UCs, and pledged to continue development efforts with collective support. “There’s no need to succumb to pressure. Karachi’s people didn’t vote for me but for the PPP,” he said.

“In the recent by-elections, the PPP secured victories in three UCs, electing Karamullah Waqasi, Babar Magsi [martyr Sabir Magsi’s brother] and Muhammad Waqar. I congratulate them as this shows the people of Karachi understand the PPP’s vision and want to see the city improve further.”

He noted that compared to previous years, the PPP’s council has collected Rs500 million in just two months, demonstrating that sincere efforts earn strong public support. He assured the UC chairmen that their recommendations for officer transfers would be considered, but stressed that such decisions must be made collectively.

“In the past when the KMC was inactive, no one questioned it. Now that work is being done, all eyes are on the KMC. People criticise Karachi, yet they come here for opportunities and livelihoods because this city supports the underprivileged.”

He highlighted recent accomplishments, and mentioned the successful hosting of IDEAS 2024, which welcomed military chiefs from 40 countries who returned with pleasant memories of Karachi’s hospitality. He also cited the Arts Council’s World Culture Festival, which brought together artistes from 44 countries to showcase their talents.

He said the International Urdu Conference is under way, featuring the Karachi Festival, with participation from literary figures worldwide. He credited the Sindh government for its annual grant of Rs450 million to the Arts Council, supporting the city’s culture and literature.

He also highlighted other major achievements, such as establishing the Metropolitan University in the city, and providing CyberKnife treatment at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre to patients from 167 cities, reflecting the city’s improved security and progress.