By Shaheen Hashim
KARACHI: Sindh’s minister for local government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, toured several parts of Karachi on Monday, accompanied by senior officials from the city’s water board, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, the mega projects directorate, and the Karachi Development Authority, as the provincial government intensified efforts to tackle the city’s worsening civic conditions.
During the inspection, Shah was joined by town chairman Dr Fouad and officials from Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, who coordinated with representatives from the water board and the KDA throughout the visit. The minister’s rounds took him across areas grappling with persistent water shortages, accumulating waste, and deteriorating road infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Shah voiced sharp criticism over what he described as “unacceptable” performance by officers of both the water board and the solid waste management board, instructing them to immediately improve service delivery. He ordered that drainage and sanitation work be carried out on an emergency basis to address mounting public complaints and prevent further disruption to daily life.
The minister also demanded the prompt restoration of damaged roads and stressed the importance of installing manhole covers to reduce accidents, underscoring the risks posed by neglected infrastructure. His comments reflected a broader call for accountability, with Shah emphasizing that the responsibility for the city’s revival rested on the combined efforts of multiple civic institutions.
“Karachi’s revival is not the responsibility of a single department alone,” he said. “We will work together for the improvement of Karachi.” By highlighting the need for coordinated action, Shah signaled the provincial government’s intent to push for visible improvements in public services, while insisting that officials at every level play their part in restoring the city’s functionality and safety.
The visit, officials noted, was part of an ongoing campaign to monitor and expedite projects aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges and enhancing the quality of civic life in Pakistan’s largest city.
