Businesses Destroyed as Construction Delays Continue
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Munam Zafar Khan has strongly criticized the Sindh government, calling the ongoing Karimabad underpass project a fraud with the citizens. During his visit to the Karimabad area on Saturday, he said the long-delayed construction has devastated local businesses and left the once-bustling Karimabad Market deserted.
According to Khan, thousands of traders and workers who earned their livelihoods from the market have been badly affected by the project’s prolonged timeline. He demanded that the authorities complete the underpass immediately to bring relief to both residents and shopkeepers struggling with daily hardships.
He also highlighted the poor civic management in Karachi, stating that the underpass construction has damaged sewerage lines and disrupted water supply for months. Instead of improving infrastructure, the ongoing work has created more difficulties for the people, he added.
Criticism of Local Governance and Mayor’s Performance
Munam Zafar Khan further criticized the government for failing to devolve powers as promised under the 18th Amendment, saying local governments have not received their due authority or funds. “After the 18th Amendment, the share of local governments has only been reduced,” he remarked.
Taking a direct jab at Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the JI leader said the city’s road projects are in disarray. “He claimed that 106 roads in Karachi would be rebuilt. Look at Jahangir Road — it’s broken. The University Road is dug up for the Red Line project, and there are no proper alternate routes at Munawar Chowrangi,” he said.
Khan also pointed out that missing traffic signals, poor diversions, and heavy fines have worsened the daily commute for Karachi residents. “This is unacceptable,” he concluded, demanding immediate action to address the city’s growing infrastructure crisis.
