Gulshan-e-Iqbal, once a prime Karachi locality, now in ruins after rains

These areas fall under the jurisdiction of the town administration, says Mayor Murtaza Wahab

KARACHI:

Gulshan-e-Iqbal, once considered one of Karachi’s most prestigious areas, now presents a picture of desolation after the recent rains. Streets across the neighbourhood have been badly damaged, and the sewage system is in disarray, posing serious challenges for residents.

Many roads in Gulshan-e-Iqbal are now dotted with large potholes, making commuting exceedingly difficult. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has attributed the situation to the town administration's negligence.

Wahab stated, "These areas fall under the jurisdiction of the town administration. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is working day and night to ensure the drainage of rainwater from streets and areas under its control."

Efforts to reach Dr Fawad, the chairman of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls.

Caught in the middle of jurisdictional disputes between KMC and town authorities, the public continues to suffer.

In Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s Block 13-D1, the potholes are so large that motorcyclists are frequently involved in accidents. Similarly, roads around the underpass in Block 13-D3 are also severely damaged.

The removal of rainwater from these potholes has yet to be carried out. In Blocks 1 and 2, rainwater remains stagnant in the internal lanes, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Areas surrounding Mumtaz Manzil and Gilani Railway Station are also experiencing severe road damage, adding to the woes of the local population.