By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: The largest and most productive city continues to suffer neglect from both the federal and Sindh provincial governments despite its significant contribution to the country’s foreign exchange, revenue, and tax income.
Take the Karimabad underpass project, for example, which was scheduled for completion in June this year but remains unfinished. When work began in May 2023, inflation was soaring at 38 percent, but now it has fallen to less than half a percent. Interest rates have decreased, prices of cement and steel have dropped, and labour costs have not increased—yet the project’s estimated cost has surged from Rs 135 crore to Rs 381 crore. Who is accountable for this ballooning expense?
The Sindh government’s current fiscal budget includes 889 schemes for Karachi, but many of these projects have either not progressed or have not even received funding. Is anyone prepared to answer for this lack of delivery? Additionally, the budget mentions six externally funded projects worth Rs 10.3 billion for Karachi. Despite delayed completion and questionable progress, these projects are recorded in official documents as satisfactory. Are the international donors accountable for these delays, or do they simply turn a blind eye?
Prime Minister’s visits to Karachi often include promises to release funds for roads, water supply, and other essential projects. Yet, the promised funds rarely translate into tangible progress. Should the Prime Minister be held responsible for this failure in execution? Ultimately, the question remains: who is truly responsible for the fate of “Mai Kolachi’s” city? Why does Karachi, despite being the country’s financial backbone, continue to face such neglect? Is there anyone willing to answer these pressing concerns?
