The US Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer, along with a delegation including US Consul General in Karachi Conrad Tribble and political officers, convened with Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Wednesday to explore avenues for mutual cooperation and discuss Karachi’s development trajectory.
During the meeting, Mayor Wahab and the US delegation deliberated on various matters of shared interest, particularly focusing on Karachi’s ongoing development efforts and pressing issues confronting the city. In attendance were Mayor Wahab’s spokesperson for Political Affairs Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, as well as Juman Darwan and Muhammad Hanif Chattani. Mayor Wahab provided insights into the recent general elections in Pakistan, highlighting the Pakistan People’s Party’s victories in six divisions of Sindh, including 13 towns in Karachi. He also noted the presence of Jamaat-e-Islami chairmen in nine Karachi towns.
Identifying key challenges facing Karachi, Mayor Wahab emphasized the urgency of addressing water and sewage problems, improving transport infrastructure, expanding public spaces, and enhancing park facilities across the city.
Recognizing Karachi’s pivotal role as Pakistan’s economic hub, Mayor Wahab underscored the need for strategic investments to boost economic and commercial activities.
He proposed the creation of specialized information technology zones in Karachi, leveraging ample available space to attract substantial international investment in the IT sector. Addressing concerns over Karachi’s aging drainage system and the perennial issue of waterlogging during heavy rains, Mayor Wahab outlined emergency measures undertaken by the city government to alleviate the situation.
He highlighted advancements in stormwater management strategies, resulting in improved drainage during monsoon seasons. Mayor Wahab also highlighted notable initiatives aimed at enhancing Karachi’s environmental sustainability, including the establishment of the first solar park at Kidney Hill, generating 100 kilowatts of electricity.
Additionally, he highlighted the successful afforestation efforts in Kidney Hill, transforming it into a thriving urban forest with over 150,000 planted trees. Plans for a chairlift between Kidney Hill and Hill Park are also under consideration, Mayor Wahab mentioned.
