KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called on town administrations across the province to replicate the Sindhi Muslim Food Walk project, stressing that effective revenue generation and prudent use of resources can help improve urban infrastructure.
He made the remarks on Sunday while inaugurating the Rs250 million Sindhi Muslim Food Walk in Chanesar Town, praising Town Chairman Farhan Ghani and his team for completing the initiative using the town administration’s own funds.
The chief minister said the project reflected how local government bodies could transform commercial areas and public spaces through sound planning and efficient financial management.
He announced that towns generating higher revenues would be given priority for additional development schemes, noting that Chanesar Town had outperformed other municipal administrations in revenue collection and development work.
Describing the food walk as a valuable addition to Karachi’s commercial and recreational landscape, Mr Shah said it would offer visitors and families a more organised and attractive environment while creating opportunities for local businesses.
Launched on February 1, 2026, the project was completed in October under the supervision of Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) Chanesar. Its major components include the replacement of sewerage lines, underground electricity cables, removal of overhead wiring, reconstruction of roads and footpaths, modern streetlights, decorative lighting, landscaping and improvements to parking facilities.
Traffic signs, road markings and beautification of roundabouts were also included in the scheme.
Mr Shah said Karachi had considerable potential for food and cultural tourism, adding that such initiatives could attract private investment, stimulate economic activity and create jobs.
He stressed that maintaining completed projects was as important as their construction, directing the town administration to ensure regular cleaning, proper waste disposal, functional lighting, plantation and smooth traffic management.
The chief minister said the provincial government was taking steps to strengthen local governments through financial assistance, institutional reforms and enhanced revenue collection.
He recalled that the Sindh government had doubled the OZT grant for Town Municipal Corporations in 2023 and Union Committees in 2024. The Urban Immovable Property Tax had also been transferred to TMCs to improve their financial autonomy.
He added that the Competitive and Livable City of Karachi (CLICK) programme was supporting municipal infrastructure and property surveys to expand the revenue base of town administrations.
Karachi infrastructure and development
Highlighting the provincial government’s development plans, Mr Shah said work on 165 roads across Karachi would commence soon.
He also outlined several major infrastructure projects, including Shahrah-i-Bhutto Expressway, the K-IV Greater Karachi Water Supply Project, BRT Red Line and Yellow Line, Korangi Causeway Flyover, Greater Karachi Sewerage Plan (S-III) and Karachi Water and Sewerage Improvement Project (KWSSIP-II).
He said efforts were also underway to restore public spaces, parks and recreational facilities across the city. The rehabilitation of Empress Market, Frere Hall, Jahangir Park, Karachi Zoo, Safari Park and Baldia Sports Complex were among the initiatives aimed at improving Karachi’s urban environment.
Under the CLICK programme, 28 parks and playgrounds had also been developed to international standards, he added.
The chief minister said additional food streets were being planned along Tipu Sultan Road, while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab had briefed him on improvement work underway at Burns Road.
Murad takes humorous swipe at pole controversy
During his address, the chief minister made light-hearted remarks about the recent media attention surrounding electricity poles, joking that the presence of a pole at the inauguration venue had made him cautious.
He said television anchors had been giving considerable attention to the issue, adding humorously that while media outlets remained occupied with poles, the government was continuing its work on major development projects.
Mr Shah said he had earlier appreciated media coverage of the Hyderabad issue but believed his remarks had annoyed certain people, leading to increased television discussions about electricity poles.
He said K-Electric had failed to remove certain obstructing poles despite repeated instructions, prompting him to direct the relevant authorities to take action.
Welcoming media attention to the issue, he said journalists could help highlight similar problems across the country and contribute to resolving public difficulties.
He also mentioned a long-standing electricity pole issue in Sukkur, saying efforts to remove it had now gained momentum.
Security, law and business opportunities
Speaking about public safety, Mr Shah said his government wanted to rid Karachi and the rest of Sindh of illegal weapons. He directed the Sindh Inspector General of Police to ensure appropriate security arrangements at the food walk.
He also announced plans to visit the site every one or two months to assess its maintenance and overall condition.
The chief minister observed that openly displaying weapons did not ensure security but instead created fear among the public. He said even members of his own security team generally remained inside vehicles rather than displaying weapons in public.
He further claimed that street crime in Karachi had declined significantly due to the efforts of the provincial government and law enforcement agencies.
Inviting the business community to work with the government, Mr Shah said several commercially viable projects offered opportunities for investment and profit.
He encouraged private-sector representatives to partner with the government in development initiatives, adding that collaboration could also help address administrative and procurement challenges faced by public institutions.
