By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, said the BYD Karachi Marathon 2026 “Run for Karachi” was not merely a sporting event, but an important platform to present the city’s vibrant and peaceful image to the world. Speaking at a press conference at A.K. Khan Park, Sea View, on 1 January, he encouraged citizens to participate enthusiastically in the 5-kilometre run, which was scheduled to start at 10 a.m. to allow maximum involvement.
The Mayor noted that international athletes would also compete, and such participation would help counter the often distorted perception of Karachi globally. “Events like these show that Karachi is lively, safe, and sports-friendly,” he said.
Referring to recent successful large-scale events in the city, including the National Games, World Festival, Literature Festival, and Urdu Conference, Wahab highlighted Karachi’s capacity to host international-level gatherings. He also praised the city’s New Year celebrations on 31 December 2025, describing a peaceful environment, open roads, and smooth traffic, in contrast to previous years.
The Mayor said the “Run for Karachi” slogan symbolized citizens’ love and attachment to the city and that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) would continue providing recreational facilities and healthy activities to residents. He expressed a vision for next year’s marathon to cover the entire city, including the Old City, starting from Mazar-e-Quaid, passing through Empress Market, Zeb-un-Nisa Street, and the Tower area, and reaching Sea View via Shahrah-e-Faisal or Clifton.
He added that the Sindh Government, KMC, and the Traffic Department would collaborate to organise such events, and announced a cycling event on 23 March to provide additional recreational opportunities.
Wahab concluded by emphasising that promoting positive activities and the city’s image remained a priority, and that government, administration, and organisers would continue supporting large-scale events for Karachi’s citizens and the international audience.
