Mayor inaugurates newly constructed KPC lawn named after his parents

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated the newly constructed lawn at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday. During the inauguration ceremony, he said that the Karachi Press Club is a historical heritage and that we must all work together to preserve it.

He said the press club has always played a vital role in promoting democracy and upholding democratic traditions. Even today, this institution serves as the voice of the oppressed, where political and non-political parties raise their voices for their rights.

Reflecting on his personal connection, Mayor Wahab noted, “I come from a journalistic family, and today, one of your colleagues, Wahab Siddiqui’s son, serves as the mayor of Karachi.” He shared these sentiments during the inauguration of the newly constructed lawn at the Karachi Press Club alongside his brothers, Ali Wahab Siddiqui and Saad Wahab Siddiqui. The lawn has been named after the mayor’s parents, Wahab Siddiqui and Fauzia Wahab. Fauzia Wahab was a renowned politician and former member of the National Assembly.

On this occasion, prominent attendees included the president of the Karachi Press Club, Saeed Sarbazi, Secretary Shoaib Ahmed, Joint Secretary Muhammad Moonis, Senior Director of Media Management KMC Ali Hassan Sajid, along with other officials, governing body members, and a large number of press club members. During the event, Mayor Wahab was awarded honorary membership of the Karachi Press Club. He reflected on his father’s legacy: “In 1975, my father became a member here, and this platform significantly contributed to his career progression. Our connection with the club remained intact even after his passing, as my mother and I would often come here to distribute press releases.”

The mayor pledged continued support to the journalist community, expressing his commitment to serving the city and its people and gratitude for the opportunity bestowed upon him. He added, “It is a great honour for me that the Press Club has named the lawn after my parents.”

Mayor Wahab further shared that upon learning about plans to construct the lawn, he decided, along with his brothers, to fund the project entirely at their own expense. “Today, that dream has been realised,” he said. He emphasised that journalists spend more time at the club than at home, and providing them with the best facilities is essential. He acknowledged the responsible nature of their profession and noted that the Press Club serves as a vital space for them to unwind after fulfilling their duties.

During the ceremony, KPC President Saeed Sarbazi warmly welcomed the mayor, stating that the connection between the mayor’s family and the Press Club is a source of pride for the institution. He remarked that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has always supported the Press Club, and the mayor continues this tradition.

Secretary Shoaib Ahmed expressed gratitude on behalf of the club’s members, noting that the lawn renovation was a long-held dream the mayor had taken responsibility for and brought to fruition. “On behalf of the members of the Karachi Press Club, I thank Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab for creating such a beautiful and attractive lawn for us,” he said.

Towards the end of the event, Wahab presented commemorative shields to Director Parks Nadeem Hanif, Manager KPC Aqeel Ahmed, and others, including Adnan, Shah Murad, Mali Imran, and Nadeem Ashraf.