By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: A delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by Hussain Hader, Julia Hallnagel, and Umer Shafique, met with Karachi’s Mayor, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at supporting and improving the city’s sustainable transport sector. The meeting focused on practical solutions to address Karachi’s chronic traffic and parking challenges, which have long plagued the bustling metropolis.
Both parties reached a consensus on the construction of dedicated parking plazas in strategic downtown locations, specifically along M.A. Jinnah Road and I.I. Chundrigar Road. These key thoroughfares, known for their heavy congestion, are expected to benefit significantly from the new infrastructure, which aims to streamline parking and ease vehicular flow. The project is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing urban mobility and making daily commutes more manageable for Karachi’s residents.
Mayor Wahab emphasized the urgency of swift implementation, stressing that the success of such initiatives depends not only on timely completion but also on strict enforcement of parking regulations. He expressed hope that the project would deliver immediate relief to the city’s longstanding traffic woes, highlighting the need for coordinated action among city authorities, development partners, and the public.
The meeting was attended by senior city officials, including Akhlaq Yousafzai, senior director coordination to the mayor, and Daniyal Alishan Siyal, director media, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency and effective communication throughout the project’s development. The engagement with the ADB signals a promising collaboration aimed at building a more sustainable and accessible transport system in Karachi, a city grappling with rapid urbanization and growing mobility demands.
