KARACHI: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has stated that 50 new parks are being constructed in the city and numerous development projects are in their final stages.

He said this while inaugurating the newly constructed Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Family Park in Rasheedabad, Baldia Town.

He said that the towns of district West were facing a serious water crisis, which has been addressed by channelling 100 million gallons of water daily from the Hub dam.

He said a satellite centre of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) would be established in Baldia Town, ensuring that residents of Mauripur and Keamari no longer have to travel across the city for medical treatment.

Says city will soon have 50 more parks

He emphasised that action against encroachments was only possible with public support.

The mayor stated that development work was being carried out without any discrimination across the seven districts of Karachi, and citizens will continue to witness the completion of development projects.

He assured the people of Baldia Town that their trust in him would not be misplaced.

Mr Wahab added that the inauguration of the new park was part of the earlier announcement regarding the construction of 50 new parks.

“This location was previously a garbage dump, but today, it has been transformed into a green space. This reflects the vision of the Peoples Party and Bilawal Bhutto,” he said.

He highlighted that the 20,000-square-foot park includes recreational facilities for children.

He announced that a football ground will soon be constructed on Mauripur Road, as its tender process had already been completed.

He pointed out that every citizen wanted facilities right in front of their homes, which caused encroachments and traffic congestion and affected everyone.

The mayor disclosed that the civic authorities impounded vendors’ cart in their anti-encroachment operations, but under the law they had to return them within 15 days.

Once returned, these carts are put back in place because vendors know people will continue to buy from them, he said and urged the people to boycott street vendors.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2025