Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday inaugurated the city’s first modern and hygienic meat market at the Empress Market, terming it a step towards preserving heritage while facilitating local businesses.
Wahab said on the occasion that they are all fighting against the mafia. “In the past, people bowed down to them, but we’re determined to put an end to China-cutting and ensure that no one’s livelihood is disrupted. We want to restore the city in a way that people can run their businesses while appreciating the beauty of our heritage.”
He said the meat market inside the Empress Market was previously in a dilapidated state, but it has now been renovated and upgraded to offer a clean and hygienic environment to meat vendors.
Twenty-nine stalls have been established for traders. Additionally, to resolve the longstanding parking issues around the Empress Market, a new facility has been developed to accommodate 400 cars and 150 motorbikes.
The mayor said that after the successful renovation of the vacant section of the Empress Market, restoration work would now begin on the remaining structure. “The iconic clock tower of the Empress Market will also be repaired. Over the past two years we have made difficult decisions, but with the public’s support we have achieved much. As per Bilawal Bhutto’s vision, the journey of development will continue.”
Reflecting on the past, Wahab said that when the Pakistan Peoples Party assumed control of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) two years ago, they chose not to complain about limited authority. “The KMC, its resources and its powers are the same as before. The difference lies in leadership, honesty and our approach.”
He said the KMC, in collaboration with the Sindh government, has successfully opened several restored heritage sites to the public, including the Frere Hall, the Khaliq Dina Hall and the Denso Hall. Renovation is also under way at the Hathi Market, and six more KMC markets are slated for restoration this year.
The mayor lamented that despite the new parking facility at the Empress Market, people continue to park outside, and that when the authorities take action against the parking mafia, they obtain stay orders from courts and level accusations against city officials.
He also announced a citywide ban on plastic bags starting immediately. “We spend millions cleaning storm water drains, only to find them clogged with plastic bags. I appeal to residents to support this initiative, and stop using plastic bags.”
Regarding infrastructure development, he said: “We requested Rs40 billion from the federal government for the K-IV water supply project, but only Rs3.5 billion was allocated in the federal budget. We had also requested Rs100 billion for Karachi, but not a single rupee was granted to the KMC.”
He added: “If motorways can be constructed in Lahore, Bahawalnagar and Sahiwal, why can’t Karachi receive fair funding? This city contributes significantly to the national revenue. There are only two ways to silence me: either remove me from this position or fulfil our demands.”
Highlighting traffic congestion caused by federal institutions, he said Port Qasim’s operations impact city roads. “We have proposed an expressway between Port Qasim and Quaidabad to the prime minister. This project is for Karachi’s residents, not for Murtaza Wahab.”
He reiterated the need for unified advocacy for the city’s development, noting that climate-related funds are under federal control, and that several development proposals have been submitted to the Sindh government.
He said work is under way to restore Civil Lines, Paposh and the Lea Market. “We want to show people how beautiful Karachi once was. In Europe there is no China-cutting. They preserve their heritage, and we must do the same.”
Providing updates on major infrastructure, Wahab said that the second phase of Shahrah-e-Bhutto up to Quaidabad has been opened, easing traffic for residents of Malir, Quaidabad, Landhi, Korangi and Steel Town.
The road will be completed up to Kathore by December 31. The mayor also highlighted ongoing projects, including the Karimabad Underpass, the Murghi Khana Bridge, the Korangi Causeway and the Jam Sadiq Bridge.
He announced that on August 14 a new canal from the Hub Dam would be inaugurated, supplying an additional 100 million gallons a day of water to Karachi. Regarding monsoon preparations, he said that tendering for drain cleaning has already been completed, and work is under way at key choke points, including II Chundrigar Road. “Usually, cleaning starts at the end of June, but this year we’re fast-tracking it to ensure residents face no hardship during the rains.”
