KARACHI: The Sindh government has formed of a 10-member task force to oversee the uplift and beautification of seven major roads and adjoining commercial areas in the metropolis.

Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah issued a notification, constituting the “Task Force to coordinate, facilitate, and lead the efforts of relevant line departments in the uplift, refurbishment, and beautification of identified roads along with adjoining small roads and commercial areas in Karachi”.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has been made the chairman of the 10-member task force.

Other members include the Karachi commissioner, city police chief, DIG-traffic, special secretary of the local government department, director general of the Sindh Building Control Authority, managing director of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, municipal commissioner of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, director of Military Lands and Cantonments, and the municipal commissioner of the respective town municipal corporations (TMCs).

Mayor Murtaza Wahab to lead 10-member body responsible for supervision of infrastructure development

The notification identified seven major thoroughfares — Sharea Faisal, Shahrah-i-Quaideen, Sher Shah Suri Road, Shaheed-i-Millat Road, Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola (Karsaz) Road, Abdullah Haroon Road to Shahrah-i-Firdousi (up to Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine) and I.I. Chundrigar Road — for uplift and beautification.

The task force, according to its terms of reference (ToRs), will “supervise and synchronise the activities of the concerned agencies related to, but not limited to, beautification, cleanliness, garbage removal, addressing encroachment issues, illegal parking, sewerage issues, infrastructure development and addressing other civic concerns” on the seven roads.

‘Move aims at improving city’s infrastructure’

According to a statement issued by the office of the chief secretary, this strategic move is aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure, ensuring cleaner public spaces, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the metropolis.

It said that the primary objective of the task force is to address multiple civic challenges in coordination with various government agencies to enhance Karachi’s urban landscape.

About the selection of only seven roads in the city, the statement said that these roads “are vital for the city’s traffic movement and commercial activities, making them key focus areas for development and beautification”.

To ensure the successful execution of this comprehensive plan, the Sindh government has directed all agencies concerned to extend full cooperation with the task force.

“This coordinated effort is expected to streamline activities, prevent duplication of work, and ensure resources are efficiently utilised,” the statement added.

It said that the new body was tasked with introducing pedestrian-friendly features, expanding green spaces, enhancing street lighting, and improving public infrastructure.

These measures aim to create a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant urban environment for Karachi’s residents and visitors.

Task force told to start work immediately

Earlier, the CM while chairing a meeting emphasised that Karachi is the heart of Sindh, and improving its beauty, resolving traffic issues and eliminating encroachments are top priorities for the Sindh government. He instructed the task force to commence its work immediately and present significant results to provide prompt relief to the citizens.

He said that all institutions would work jointly for the city’s uplift, and the formation of this task force would be a significant step toward enhancing civic facilities.

He also directed all relevant departments to extend their full cooperation to this initiative, ensuring Karachi becomes a well-organised, beautiful, and modern city.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2025