KARACHI: City Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Thursday laid the foundation stone of the renovation of a sports complex in Baldia Town at a cost of Rs1.4 billion.

Addressing the ceremony, the mayor strongly criticised the federal government for overlooking the city in recent budget allocations. He urged the prime minister to rectify this oversight and fulfil his promises by releasing Rs100bn for Karachi’s development.

Mr Wahab highlighted the persistent lack of federal attention towards Karachi, which he described as not only Pakistan’s economic hub but also an area grappling with numerous challenges requiring immediate intervention from higher authorities. He specifically called on federal ministers and local political figures to advocate for the city’s needs.

The mayor underscored the significance of the Rs1.4bn sports complex renovation project, which aims to rejuvenate Baldia Town by providing modern sports facilities, including multiple sports grounds and a family park. The initiative is seen as part of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) broader commitment to using its mandate in the public interest.

Criticises federal govt for neglecting Karachi in budget

Mr Wahab also stressed that federal and provincial representatives from the area must utilise their offices effectively for public service — a principle he claimed the PPP adheres to rigorously.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing these efforts despite various challenges, noting that development initiatives such as the new sports complex and the augmentation of the K-IV water project are vital for Karachi’s revival.

The mayor reiterated the city’s urgent need for federal funds and official clearances to proceed with other critical infrastructure projects, including the construction of a bridge in Malir. He expressed concern over the potential stagnation of progress if the federal government remained unresponsive to these legitimate demands.

The ceremony, attended by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, MPA Liaquat Askani and other dignitaries, served not only to announce new developments but also as a platform for the mayor to publicly hold the federal government accountable for its commitments to Karachi.

He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to representing the city and overseeing its development through the upcoming provincial and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation budgets.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025