KARACHI, May 14: City Nazim Mustafa Kamal has vowed to continue what he called ‘the journey of progress’ and maintained that no incident of violence can undermine the resolve of his government to serve the people of the metropolis without any discrimination.

Speaking at a press conference here at his office, the nazim made a passionate appeal to people of the metropolis and all stakeholders, including political parties, to play their role in restoring peace and order not only for the development of Karachi but for the whole of Pakistan.

Mr Kamal was on way to New York to attend the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit being held in New York by the Clinton Foundation, but returned to the metropolis on Monday cancelling his visit in view of the deteriorating law and order situation.

“As a representative of Karachi, I appeal to all stakeholders to free this city of negative politics. People from every city and town of Pakistan come here to earn their livelihood, so, please allow us to carry on with development.”

He said the city government was serving people of the metropolis without any discrimination but the enemies of Karachi and Pakistan did not like it and they hatched a conspiracy to stop the process of development.

“The incidents that occurred on May 12 and afterwards were a part of this conspiracy and the city, its people and the government were the ultimate sufferer. But I am confident that with the support of people of this city I will foil all conspiracies and the process of development will resume tomorrow,” he added.

Mr Kamal said he hoped that incidents of violence could not stop foreigners and locals from investing here and that all foreign investors had complete faith in the city government.

He expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives of innocent people during the May 12 and later incidents and expressed condolence with the bereaved families. He said the city government would help all the victims of the May 12 and subsequent incidents and for this purpose it was collecting all required information.

He demanded that the authorities concerned to unmask the conspirators behind the May 12 incidents.

The nazim avoided questions relating to the visit of Chief Justice of Pakistan, rallies of opposition parties and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and said that he did not want to enter into a political debate.