KARACHI: City’s image now positive world over, says Ibad
KARACHI, Nov 14: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has said that a positive image of Karachi around the world has emerged with the improvement of law and order in the city over the last few years. With the completion of various mega projects and coordinated progress in social sector, and provision of civic facilities, Karachi would assume a significant position in the ranks of the world’s modern and beautiful cities in the next two or three years, he added.
The governor was talking to a delegation of foreign diplomats, undergoing a junior-level training course under the auspices of the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad, which called on him at the Governor’s House here on Monday.
Replying to queries, the governor said that Karachi was the world’s seventh mega city and an emerging economic hub of the region, besides a focal point of Pakistan’s most economic activities. He observed that owing to influx from outside, this major city had a population growth rate double than other cities.
Keeping all factors in view, a coordinated programme was being implemented for provision of facilities to the city’s population and a comprehensive Master Plan was also being prepared, he told the delegation.
Dr Ibad also highlighted the ongoing schemes pertaining to water, electricity, sewerage, roads, traffic, solid waste management, etc.
He said the government was working on law and order, employment opportunities and provision of basic facilities on a priority basis.
“The provincial coalition is taking steps for eliminating the urban-rural divide, providing equal facilities to all and alleviating poverty.”
He recalled until a few years back, investors had been thinking of withdrawing their investment in Sindh, and pointed out: “Today, new industrial units are coming up and in Nooriabad alone, the number of the units has gone up from five to 61 while industrial activities in Thatta and Badin are also on the increase.”
He said in Karachi, every second industry was keen for expansion while multinationals were making significant investment. These activities would certainly help alleviate poverty and increase employment opportunities.
Welcoming the course participants, Dr Ibad expressed the hope that their visit would further strengthen the relations between Pakistan and their respective countries.
“Pakistan is a nation which is united and possesses enlightened, progressive and higher human values, and significant qualities of this nation emerged during the recent devastating earthquake. The manner in which the whole nation got united with spirit, humanitarian feeling and sincerity for their fellow countrymen, was talked about the world over and people of Sindh province demonstrated a model role in this regard.”
The foreign diplomats described their stay in Karachi as delightful and praised the city as of vibrant and international importance.
Principle Secretary to the Governor Mohammed Saleem Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Ghulam Sarwar Khehro, Secretary Local Government Mohammed Ishaq Lashari and other officials were present on the occasion.—APP
