KARACHI: A delegation of the Peoples Republic of China called on city administrator Iftikhar Ali Shallwani on Wednesday and discussed matters of mutual interests.

The delegation was led by director of Houji Group Mr Xiang Qiwen and Miss Wang Huayu and Coordinator Friendship of Foreign Country Mr Yang Haiming.

The delegation offered China’s support for uplift of Karachi infrastructure, coastal areas and construction of parking plaza.

They also offered to sign a memorandum of understanding for declaring Karachi and similar cities of China ‘Sister Cities’.

The administrator welcomed the offer and said that Pakistan and China had ironclad friendship, adding that a mega project like CPEC brought both the countries even more closer. He said that Pakistan’s economy was likely to be lifted through CPEC.

Mr Shallwani said that Pakistan and China were already working on several joint projects and the latter’s experts had played vital role in Pakistan’s development. “Karachi Metropolitan Corporation wants to uplift infrastructure of the city and carry out road construction and other works,” he added.

The administrator said that they also wanted to develop coastal areas while parking plazas were the need of the hour, adding that China’s experience and expertise in these fields would surely help the local administration. He said that Karachi was a gateway and economical hub of Pakistan and offers plenty of opportunities for investors owing to its geographical situation.

Mr Shallwani said that there were four economic zones, two ports and an international standard airport in Karachi. “This city is known as commercial capital as business activities are done throughout the year,” he said.

The administrator said roads and footpaths were being constructed or renovated in residential as well as commercial areas.

The delegation members said Karachi was the biggest city of Pakistan and China wanted prosperity and development of the city’s people, adding that China was ready for all-out support.

Liaquatabad flyover

The KMC on Wednesday started replacement of Liaquatabad flyover’s joint expansion.

During the replacement work, one track of the flyover would remain closed and the people have been advised to use alternative route.

The administrator took notice of media reports about deplorable condition of the flyover’s expansion joints and directed the department concerned to fix the issue at the earliest.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2020