Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab today urged Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori to fulfill his commitment of allocating Rs100 billion for Karachi’s development and transferring KPT and railway land to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for infrastructure projects.

Addressing a press conference at the KMC head office, Mr Wahab asked the governor to engage in direct dialogue instead of relying on spokespersons. He emphasized that he had been pursuing Karachi’s development agenda with federal representatives over the past 20 days.

He referenced the past, highlighting that Karachi was no longer plagued by violence and instability, and noted that conditions have changed under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Wahab rejected any return to the politics of fear and division.

The mayor reiterated that he, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, and other PPP workers were carrying out development work according to the party’s manifesto. He stated that two years, two months, and ten days remained in his tenure, during which major development work would be completed.

Wahab addressed criticism from Governor Tessori’s spokesperson, former mayor Farooq Sattar, who held a press conference earlier in the day. He remarked that rather than issuing threats and inappropriate language, political leaders should focus on governance.

He questioned the governor’s approach, referencing blocked roads due to convoys and the use of public platforms for statements. Wahab argued that such actions did not align with the responsibilities of public office.

The mayor pointed out that development proposals for Karachi had been sent to the governor’s office, including projects for the Northern Bypass, Port Qasim, and Martin and Pakistan Quarters. He noted that no funds had been released and instead press conferences were being used as responses.

Wahab questioned the governor’s announcement of establishing a university, suggesting that he use his own land and clarify the source of degrees it would issue. He also criticized political opponents for taking credit when electricity prices fall while avoiding responsibility on core issues.

He declared that his administration would focus on infrastructure projects, including a new canal from Hub Dam, the K4 water supply project, and the development of Bakhtiyari Youth Center.

The mayor also referred to administrative issues inherited from previous leaderships, such as irregular recruitment and mismanagement. He urged all political actors to stop making public promises and instead deliver on their commitments.

In response to recent remarks about his mother, Wahab expressed gratitude and promised to uphold her legacy through service. He emphasized that his focus would remain on development and public welfare rather than political disputes.