KARACHI: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Monday formally sought Governor Kamran Tessori’s support for as many as 10 mega uplift schemes worth Rs79 billion in the city after the governor asked him to present a detailed summary of proposed projects so that he could secure required funds from the federal government.

In a letter to Governor Tessori, the mayor outlined development projects across Karachi, seeking Centre’s assistance to secure the necessary funding. He also thanked the governor for “taking keen interest in the development of Karachi”.

“I am grateful to you for taking keen interest in the development of Karachi,” Mayor Wahab said in the letter. “It has always been our view that the federal government takes little interest in the development of Karachi and the city is deprived of receiving its due share in the development portfolio. I am extremely grateful for your offer to secure Rs100 billion from the federal government for the development of Karachi,” he added.

Only last week, while responding to the mayor’s demand that Mr Tessori get the Rs100bn for the city that the federal government had pledged for it, the governor had asked the mayor to bring a summary of the development projects worth the sum so that he would secure the funds.

Projects include rehabilitation and extension of Northern Bypass at estimated cost of Rs35bn

In the letter, the city mayor identified different schemes for which the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) requires monetary support of the federal government. The letter carries the list of development projects and tentative cost of each scheme with most expensive being the rehabilitation, widening and extension of the Northern Bypass, worth Rs35bn.

The letter also mentions expressway connection from Shahrah-i-Bhutto through National Highway to Port Qasim, which is worth Rs14bn. The other projects include the construction of a drug rehabilitation facility at Gutter Baghicha, worth Rs2bn, construction of a new administration & 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, 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.

“Unfortunately, some of the worst affected areas of Karachi are under the control of the federal government. It is proposed that your kind office may intervene to help the KMC to launch urban regeneration projects to transform areas of Pakistan Quarters, Jamshed Quarters and Martin Quarters,” he added in the added.

Mayor Wahab also referred to “precious properties” in the congested old city and business areas of Karachi, which are owned by the federal government.

“It would be expedient if parking plazas are developed on land, provided by government of Sindh, to Pakistan Railways situated on M. A. Jinnah Road and I. I. Chundrigar Road. I seek this opportunity to request your kind intervention for construction of parking plazas as it would ease traffic congestion,” added the mayor.

Barrister Wahab claimed that the KMC is already carrying out extensive development works from its own sources and with the support of the government of Sindh.

“However, it would be appreciated if the federal government plays its role in the development of Karachi,” he said.

He said that the projects being carried out by the KMC would have far reaching impact on business environment of the entire country and it would help mitigate climatic challenges.

“Your valuable support and vision are required for the development and progress of our beloved city. You are requested to take up the proposed schemes with the federal government in a timely manner for best interest of the city,” the mayor added.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2025