MQM-P asks centre to fund infrastructure needs of Karachi, Hyderabad

MQM-P also called for the expeditious completion of the K-IV water project in Karachi

KARACHI:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has demanded allocation of funds in the current budget to address infrastructure needs in the two main urban centres of Sindh, Karachi and Hyderabad, along with the release of special funds to its lawmakers.

The demand was made by a MQM-P delegation, led by Syed Mustafa Kamal, during a meeting with Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad on Wednesday. Other members of the delegation included Dr Farooq Sattar, Syed Amin-ul-Haque, and Javed Hanif.

During the meeting, the MQM-P delegation called for the expeditious completion of the K-IV water project in Karachi. They highlighted the issue of water scarcity plaguing the city and presented sustainable solutions aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to this vital resource for its citizens. The delegation discussed the urgent need for the timely completion of the Karachi Green Line project and the initiation of work on the Karachi Circular Railway.

Highlighting Karachi's status as Pakistan's largest city, the delegation stressed the need for enhanced transportation infrastructure. They expressed optimism regarding the federal government's commitment to Karachi's development and stressed the metropolis's integral role in driving the nation's progress.

The MQM-P delegation also emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategic master plan encompassing both large-scale infrastructural projects and smaller-scale initiatives. Such a holistic approach would elevate Karachi to the ranks of other global economic centres, thereby bolstering Pakistan's overall economic trajectory.

In response, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal echoed the sentiment regarding Karachi's economic importance and provided updates on the progress of various projects, assuring the delegation of a favourable response to their discussions, suggestions, and requests.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2024.