Karachi:
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Council (KMC) approved a budget of RS55.28 billion for fiscal year 2025-26, for a majority vote, during a session chaired by Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab. Mayor Vice President Salman Abdullah Murad and the municipal commissioner Afzal Zaidi were also present, along with other notable figures. For the first time in the history of KMC, all council members had the opportunity to participate in discussions and offer suggestions before the budget was approved.
Wahab declared that the new budget will open new roads for the development of the city and guarantee equal treatment for all union committees. He assured that the promises made to the people of Karachi would be fulfilled, emphasizing that the development funds had been fairly assigned in all areas. The mayor recognized the contributions of the treasure and opposition banks, noting that useful proposals had been submitted for the improvement of the city’s development projects. He also expressed the hope that all elected representatives support public welfare initiatives through mutual consultations.
Meanwhile, parliamentary leader Karamullah Waqasi appreciated the way the budget was presented, allowing each member to express their views. He pointed out that the development work was underway between 246 union committees, with 71% of the completed planned work. In addition, Waqasi urged responsibility in the case of any corruption, and clarified that the RS3 billion assigned for the K-IV water project had been provided by the federal government, not the city administration.
Separately, the member of the Najmi Alam Council highlighted the equal expense of the clip fund in the cities, confirming that RS20 million had been assigned to each Union Committee. He also noted that rainwater drains were clogged with plastic bags, proposing a prohibition of plastic use.
The attached parliamentary leader Jumman Darwan, stating that a budget reflects the performance of an institution, criticized the federal government for making promises to Karachi but failing in liberation. He praised KMC’s budget for addressing key urban challenges that include sewerage, water supply, roads and other critical sectors.
After the budget approval, the City Council meeting was postponed indefinitely.
