KARACHI, Nov 16: City Nazim Naimatullah Khan, rejecting the Karachi Port Trust’s claim over Layari land and Khadda Market in old city area, on Saturday, categorically stated that the KPT had no right over these.

“I will take up this matter at higher level,” he said, while laying foundation stone of four main roads, being constructed in Lyari at an estimated cost of Rs16 million, which are expected to be completed in six months.

The Karachi municipality, 112 years back in 1835, through a resolution, had established this area and that historical resolution was still a part of the record, the city Nazim said, adding that the area was also known for great personalities like Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi and others.

The city government had already started construction of Lyari stadium and soon the Khada and Chakiwara markets would also be built, he said and added that “We plan to turn Lyari into a model area of Karachi.”

He said that the city government would convene a convention of the fishermen and in the light of their recommendations, a strategy would be evolved for betterment of this community.

Mr Khan asked the Lyari Town Nazim Abdul Khaliq Juma to compile a list of sportsmen of Lyari, so that a function could be arranged to encourage them.

Meanwhile, Mr Khan gave away ownership documents of plots and a cheque of Rs50,000 each to 200 more families, who got affected due to Lyari Expressway.

On the occasion, he said that so far 5,000 displaced families had been given alternate plots, measuring 80 sq yards, besides a compensation of Rs50,000 each.

Mr Khan said the government had fulfilled all of its promises. He was of the opinion that Lyari Expressway would bring a revolution in city’s economic activities and help overcome environmental problems.

He said the affectees had been provided a better residential site, where all the basic necessities were available.

Project Director, Lyari Expressway, Shafiqur Rahman Paracha, was also present at the ceremony.—PPI/APP