'University road faces monsoon risk'

KARACHI:

Warning that ongoing infrastructure works have left one of Karachi's busiest corridors vulnerable during the monsoon, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Chairman Dr Fawad Ahmed cautioned that University Road could become "a disaster waiting to happen" if heavy rains strike before the completion of construction projects.

Speaking at a crowded press conference at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Municipal Corporation's council hall, Dr Ahmed expressed concern over the delayed reconstruction of the stretch between Hassan Square and Nipa, saying excavation work under the Red Line BRT project has left the road riddled with pits and hazardous for commuters during the rainy season.

He also termed the proposed flyover near Disco Bakery "unnecessary", arguing that it would worsen traffic congestion rather than ease it, as most traffic has already been diverted to Shabbir Usmani Road because of ongoing work on University Road.

Dr Ahmed urged the provincial government to abandon the flyover proposal and instead remove encroachments to improve traffic flow.

He said the K-IV augmentation water supply line is also planned to pass through Shabbir Usmani Road, making the flyover impractical. He added that the concerns had already been conveyed to the Karachi mayor. Presenting the town's performance report, Dr Ahmed announced that Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town's budget for fiscal year 2026-27 stands at Rs4.7795 billion, with 75% allocated for development projects.