KARACHI: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said terrorism is an international problem but the Sindh government has eliminated it from Karachi with the help and support of its citizens.

He was addressing the ceremony to launch Karachi Kings cricket team for the Pakistan Super League at Naya Nazimabad ground on Sunday evening.

“The United States and other countries are still struggling against terrorism but we have eliminated it completely from the city and now focusing on improving city’s infrastructure,” he said.

The chief minister lauded the services and sacrifices given by law-enforcement agencies, particularly police, Rangers and intelligence agencies for restoring peace in the city.

“Now, Karachi is one of the most peaceful cities in the world,” he claimed.

Mr Shah lamented the media was accusing his government of digging all roads simultaneously which was causing inconvenience to people.

“Yes, I have got the roads dug because we are reconstructing them for the people. Not only that, we are also laying new water supply and drainage lines,” he added.

“It is not a simple task to replace more than 50 to 60 years old drainage lines but we are meeting our targets. The city will be ready with a new and improved look in the month of May,” he said and urged the media to support him.

“Karachi is one of the best in terms of its diverse population, ports, industries, fish harbours and to some extent agriculture, particularly vegetables and fruits,” he said.

“It has several mosques, temples, churches and gurdwaras. People of different faiths get along well and this sense of co-existence is emerging fast.

“Foreigners have started placing trust in our efforts and that is why more than 70,000 of them from all over the world visited the city when Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin delivered his sermons. Prince Karim Aga Khan also paid a visit to Karachi after 17 years and now the PSL final is going to take place,” he added.

The chief minister said his government was making arrangements of international standard for the PSL final.

“I am also working for bringing back international cricket to Karachi and promoting hockey, boxing and other games,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2018