KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori on Monday sought Rs100 billion from the federal government for the development of Karachi hours after he was reminded by the city mayor of his promise about securing financial support for the business capital from Islamabad.

In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr Tessori lauded the performance of the federal government for stabilising the national economy and turning all indicators positive.

“At a juncture when the security situation has considerably improved and key economic indicators are showing positive trends, it would be prudent for the federal government to consider extending a much-needed support package aimed at advancing the development process in Karachi. Such a package would be instrumental in addressing the critical infrastructure and civic challenges faced by the city,” he said.

He referred to his recent communication with Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, who had written him a letter last month seeking his support for as many as 10 mega uplift schemes worth Rs79 billion in the city.

Tessori sends letter to PM for much-needed development package

This followed the governor’s request for a detailed summary of the proposed projects so that he could seek the required funds from the federal government.

However, he claimed despite a query from Governor House, the mayor has not yet provided details of the past federal funding for Karachi projects or the status of ongoing schemes being carried out with financial support from Islamabad.

“In this regard, the Mayor Karachi was requested to furnish the details regarding federally funded projects, the funds previously allocated by the federal government, and the current status of ongoing initiatives. A copy of the letter is enclosed,” he said.

“Regrettably, the requisite details from the office of the Mayor Karachi are still awaited. However, in order to avoid delays, it is requested that your office may like to get necessary details from the Mayor Karachi and upon satisfaction, the federal government may kindly consider allocating the requested sum of Rs100 billion for the development of Karachi. This allocation is imperative, as it would not only address pressing civic challenges but also foster national economic growth.”

In his letter to the Sindh governor last month, Mayor Wahab identified different schemes for which the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) requires monetary support of the federal government. The letter includes a list of development projects and the tentative cost of each scheme, with most expensive being the rehabilitation, widening and extension of the Northern Bypass, worth Rs35bn.

The letter also mentioned an expressway connection from Shahrah-i-Bhutto through National Highway to Port Qasim, worth Rs14bn.

The other projects include the construction of a drug rehabilitation facility at Gutter Baghicha, worth Rs2bn, a new administration and academic block of the Karachi Metropolitan University, worth Rs3bn, expansion of the Safari Park at Rs5bn, development of green zone over 200 acres at Gutter Baghicha, a coastal regeneration project at coastline of Karachi worth Rs5bn, an abattoir and meat processing zone at Northern Bypass at Rs3bn and a water recycling facility at Korangi Creek, worth Rs5bn.

The mayor said that the urban regeneration projects are essential to improve the deteriorating landscape of the metropolis.

On Monday, hours before the governor made his letter to the PM public, Mayor Wahab criticised Governor Tessori of making hollow promises and failing to secure funds from the Centre for Karachi despite repeated claims.

“I urge the Sindh governor that please do something instead of giving statement and playing to the gallery,” said the mayor while addressing a press conference.

“Despite repeated claims, you have failed to secure a penny for the people of Karachi from Islamabad. Enough is enough, as you can no more make people fool through lip services. The people of Karachi are well aware that who’s serving them and who’s only doing a showman’s job.”

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2025