JI demands Rs500bn uplift budget for Karachi

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi emir Monem Zafar on Monday called for a substantial increase in development funds for Karachi, proposing a Rs500 billion allocation for the city's development projects and a monthly budget of Rs2.5 million for each union council.

Addressing a press conference at the JI Karachi headquarters, Idara Noor-e-Haq, Zafar emphasised the need to devolve financial and administrative powers to the local government in line with the 18th Constitutional Amendment, introduced by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

He criticised the PPP regime for its handling of the education sector in Sindh, highlighting a rapid decline in educational standards despite significant funding. Zafar attributed this downturn to corruption, nepotism, and incompetence within the government.

He expressed concern over the uncertain status of first-year intermediate examinations, noting that second-year exams are approaching while first-year results remained unresolved. He urged authorities to release a report on the mismanagement of first-year results and hold those responsible accountable.

The JI leader announced plans for a "Karachi Rights March" on April 27, aiming to mobilise citizens in support of the city's development needs. He criticised the PPP's 17-year tenure in Sindh, citing deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate water supply projects like the K-IV, lack of a mass transit system, poor road conditions, and general lawlessness as indicators of governance failure.

Zafar also condemned the prime minister's apparent lack of interest and understanding of Karachi's challenges. He called on the Muslim world to actively support the Palestinian cause, urging collective action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

These demands and criticisms reflected ongoing concerns about Karachi's development and governance, with various political figures and parties advocating for substantial investment in the city's infrastructure and services.