Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Saturday inaugurated four new parks in Orangi Town and a road in Nazimabad No.4, reaffirming his commitment to resolving public issues and promoting urban development.
He announced that from June 15, plastic bags will be completely banned in the city, and contractors failing to meet quality standards will be blacklisted.
Any KMC official found involved in substandard work will face suspension and eventual dismissal.
The newly inaugurated parks include Shaheed Aamir Bhutto Family Park, Masjid Khizra Park, Meraj Nabi Park, and Rehmat Chowk Park.
Speaking to the media at the inauguration, Mayor Wahab paid tribute to the late Aamir Bhutto, calling him a brave political worker whose services will not be forgotten.
“We will ensure his killers are brought to justice,” he said.
The park named after him is a gift to the residents of Orangi Town from KMC, he added.
Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, PPP leaders Karamullah Waqasi, Dil Muhammad, Sardar Khan, and other local representatives were also present.
Mayor Wahab revealed that although the Nazimabad road was not under KMC’s jurisdiction, it was rebuilt to facilitate the public.
He stressed that poor-performing contractors and complicit officers will face strict consequences.
“We want to build a bridge in Malir costing Rs1.2 billion, but Pakistan Railways is delaying the No Objection Certificate (NOC) and demanding Rs160 million,” he said.
“When Karachi moves, Pakistan moves — let Karachi function.
” He also announced that major stormwater drains in Karachi will be cleaned from June 15.
The same day, a citywide ban on plastic bags will take effect.
“Plastic bags clog our drainage system — I urge citizens to stop using them.
Our municipal teams are fulfilling their duties; we need public cooperation to prevent urban flooding during the monsoon.
” Regarding Eid-ul-Azha preparations, he said a joint strategy with the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) and town chairmen has been finalized.
A five-day operation will be conducted across all 25 towns and seven districts to lift animal waste, followed by lime-spraying and disinfectants.
“We have taken bold decisions in KMC, and now development work is visible in every district.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s promise was to bring development to every corner of the city, and we are making it happen,” Wahab said.
He further stated that this year, 50 new parks will be developed in Karachi.
“The city had become a concrete jungle.
We’re creating open spaces for the people,” he added.
He proposed forming neighborhood committees to oversee park maintenance.
“Roads are being constructed, paver blocks are being installed, and we are working on resolving the water crisis.
We aim to provide Orangi residents with a proper ring road,” he said.
“This leadership is not about land grabbing or London-based politics — it’s about public service.
” Wahab vowed strict action against illegal water hydrants and said he would write to the Inspector General of Police, urging criminal cases to ensure offenders do not go scot-free.
“We disconnect illegal connections, but police must arrest the culprits and present them before courts.
” He criticized the soaring cost of the K-IV water project, which has reached Rs240 billion without completion.
He also pointed out that development work is being obstructed on land owned by Pakistan Railways along I.I.Chundrigar Road and Shahrah-e-Faisal.
Mayor Wahab said he is addressing city problems beyond party affiliations and urged all citizens to support efforts aimed at making Karachi greener, cleaner, and more livable.
