Wahab dismisses Rs20bn federal grant as ‘Lollipop,’ highlights Karachi’s Rs200bn needs

Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Monday criticized the federal government’s announcement of Rs20 billion for Karachi, calling it a “lollipop” compared to the city’s actual requirement of Rs200 billion. “Sitting in Islamabad cannot solve Karachi’s problems. This city requires consistent work at the local level,” he told reporters. As reported by The Express Tribune.

Speaking after inaugurating Imam Mehdi Park and Sports Ground in New Rizvia Society, Wahab said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will invest Rs28 billion in citywide development this year, in addition to Rs10 billion allocated for town-level projects.

The mayor noted that the 5.5-acre site, once a garbage dump, had been transformed into a modern recreational facility featuring a walking track, football and cricket grounds, floodlights, and other amenities. “Where there was garbage, today there is greenery. Green spaces are an ongoing charity, and this park is a gift for citizens,” he remarked.

Wahab said large-scale initiatives were under way across Karachi under the vision of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, including the BRT project on University Road, sewerage and drainage upgrades, and the completion of flyovers and underpasses.

Rejecting opposition criticism, he said, “Our press conferences are not based on allegations but on performance. We have delivered without crying over lack of powers.” He pledged to continue fulfilling commitments to turn Karachi into “a hub of development and prosperity.”