Karachi Business Leaders Urge Action on City’s Poor Roads and Sewer Systems
Business leaders in Karachi have called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar to address the city’s deteriorating infrastructure. They highlighted the urgent need for road renovations and sewer system repairs, which are causing severe traffic congestion and harming local businesses.
The recent rains have worsened the situation, with many roads becoming impassable. Only 5% of Karachi’s roads meet high standards, while the majority are in poor condition. One businessman stated, “Karachi’s citizens are suffering despite paying the highest taxes in the country. The city, which contributes over 65% of national revenue and 95% to the provincial exchequer, remains neglected.”
Atiq Mir, Chairman of the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, has called for a forensic audit of the city’s road and sewer systems. He alleged, “More than 50% of development funds are pocketed by political parties in collusion with contractors.” Mir added that Karachi residents are incurring billions in additional fuel costs due to persistent traffic jams.
Asif Gulfam, Chairman of the Alliance of Arambagh Market Association, stressed the importance of a master plan that prioritizes repairing sewerage lines before undertaking road construction. Acting President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Altaf A. Ghaffar, voiced similar concerns and urgently appealed to Chief Minister Shah and Mayor Akhtar to take prompt and effective action.
The most affected areas include major shopping centres such as Jodia Bazaar, Mauripur, Kaemari, Bolton Market, and Lee Market, as well as key roads like MA Jinnah Road, Korangi Road, and various sections of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and Liaquatabad.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi -: Karachi is a big city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It’s like Mumbai in India, very busy and important.
Sindh -: Sindh is one of the provinces in Pakistan, similar to how Maharashtra is a state in India.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is like the head of a state or province, similar to how we have a Chief Minister in Indian states like Delhi or Karnataka.
Syed Murad Ali Shah -: Syed Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh, the province where Karachi is located.
Karachi Mayor -: A Mayor is the person in charge of running a city, like how we have a Mayor in cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
Waseem Akhtar -: Waseem Akhtar is the Mayor of Karachi, responsible for managing the city’s services and infrastructure.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure means the basic facilities and systems like roads, bridges, and sewer systems that help a city function properly.
Sewer systems -: Sewer systems are underground pipes that carry dirty water and waste away from homes and buildings to keep the city clean.
Traffic congestion -: Traffic congestion means there are too many vehicles on the road, causing slow movement and traffic jams.
Accountability -: Accountability means being responsible for something and being able to explain your actions, like when a teacher asks you why you didn’t do your homework.
Master plan -: A master plan is a big, detailed plan made to improve or develop something, like a city, over a long period of time.
