KARACHI: Expressing concerns on “poor governance”, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Monday sought answers from Karachi Administrator Barrister Murtaza Wahab after he completed one year in the office PTI’s parliamentary party leader in the Sindh Assembly Khurrum Sher Zaman sent a questionnaire to the city administrator seeking replies on different civic and municipal issues of the city.

Mentioning a recent survey that ranked Karachi 168 amongst 173 cities with an index score of 37.5, he said: “This means Karachi is the world’s fifth least liveable city, which should make the PPP-led Sindh government cringe.”

The PTI leader questioned major improvements projects on the physical infrastructure like roads, drainage and street lights. He also sought details of cleaning of drainage and sewerage system ahead of the monsoon season.

Questions about collection of waste and garbage on a daily basis were also raised.

“What is the KMC doing to tackle the water tanker mafia?” he asked. “What is the KMC doing to enhance the green spaces which have been reducing over time and is adversely impacting Karachi’s environment? The recent rise in dengue cases in Karachi points to why the fumigation campaign is not completed on a timely basis. Any comments?”

Mr Sher Zaman in his letter also asked about the lack of fire stations and fire engines in the city as well as lack of ambulances as per the population of Karachi.

He also referred to encroachments in Karachi and questioned the moves by city administration to remove these illegal structures.

Barrister Wahab last month completed one year as Karachi administrator.

The Sindh government had in August 2021 appointed him as city administrator to look after the administrative and municipal affairs of the metropolis before the local government elections.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2022