KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday announced a Rs162 billion project for the development of the country’s economic and industrial hub Karachi.
Addressing a gathering during his two-visit to the city, the premier said, “We are allocating a Rs162 billion package for Karachi under which 18 projects will be worked on.”
“The country cannot move forward till Karachi is developed. The whole country suffered because Karachi’s development was halted,” he said. Criticising the Sindh government, the premier said, “It was their responsibility to fix the situation in Karachi but after they emerged successful in interior Sindh, we all saw how they treated Karachi.”
Stating that Karachi faces a major transport issue, the premier said, “Of the 18 projects, 10 will pertain to public transport while seven will be water projects.”
“We are all aware of the issues regarding safe drinking water projects. We will have to start a water conversation campaign in the city,” he added and said that a campaign to conserve water was never launched in the country.
PM Imran lamented, “When you look at Karachi it looks like a concrete slab has been placed. We will make green areas here.”
Upholding that Karachi is “expanding”, the premier said, “There is a need to stop the city from further expanding and to build high-rise buildings. Karachi has the most slums.”
“Issues in Karachi are increasing owing to the growing population,” the premier said.
“We will soon make a master plan for Karachi. It is now time to implement on the plan of action drafted for the city,” he added.
Regarding the country’s economic situation, the premier said, “Pakistan is going through a very difficult economic phase.”
