KARACHI: In a tribute to those who have made invaluable contributions to the development, security and welfare of Karachi, the city administration unveiled the Tamgha-i-Karachi award on Sunday with the inaugural ceremony recognising martyrs of fire department, distinguished educators, authors, and intellectuals who have left a lasting impact through their selfless service and social work.

A ceremony was held at the Khaliqdina Hall, where Kar­achi Mayor Murtaza Wahab pre­sented the Tamgha-i-Kara­chi awards to the families of seven martyrs and five distinguished individuals who had dedicated themselves to the betterment of the city.

Those who were awarded included intellectual Prof Ja­mal Naqvi, artist and art educator Durriya Kazi, social activist Fatima Majid, author Saima Saleem and martyred officials of fire department — Khalid Shehzad, Rashid Naeem, Nav­eed Iqbal, Muha­mmad Abid, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Sohail and Muhammad Mohsin.

Addressing the ceremony, the mayor informed the audience that the decision to honour the personalities and martyrs who served Karachi was made by the City Council, and it was the first event organised by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.

Families of seven martyred firefighters are among recipients of the award

“This event would be held every year on January 5 to ack­n­owledge the contributions of those who have played a role in making this city greater,” he said.

Mayor Wahab said that the hero of today’s ceremony was those who made sacrifices. “These individuals are not just service providers but true assets to our city. The sacrifices made by these martyrs will always be a source of pride for Karachi,” he said.

He also outlined plans for the city’s future, saying that alongside focusing on infrastructure and development, his administration would prioritise the preservation and promotion of Karachi’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

“We will not only work on municipal development but also restore and protect the historical buildings of this great city,” he said.

Parties urged to join hands for city uplift

Stressing unity, the mayor again asked political parties having mandate in Karachi to join hands for the development of the city.

“Karachi is not just mine … it belongs to all of us. We will continue to serve it, regardless of race or background,” he added.

He said that 2025 would be a “turning point” for Karachi’s development, with projects already underway in all seven districts.

“Unlike before, we will not complain about lacking powers or funds. We have the resources, and we will fulfil the promises made to the people,” Mr Wahab said, vowing that the Pakistan Peoples Party would continue to serve the people of Karachi without failure.

The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Salman Abd­ullah Murad, Deputy Parlia­mentary Leader Dil Muha­mmad, Municipal Comm­issioner Afzal Zaidi, elected representatives, senior KMC officials and citizens.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2025