Federal and Provincial Governments Have Ignored Karachi in the Budget: Pasban Democratic Party
Karachi, June 14 (PPI): Karachi, considered the economic powerhouse of Pakistan, has been significantly overlooked in the recent financial allocations by the federal and provincial governments. Iqbal Hashmi, the General Secretary of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), has termed this lack of attention as a grave injustice to both the city and the national economy.
Hashmi emphasized that Karachi, which contributes a substantial portion to the country’s revenue, has been deprived of investments in its infrastructure. He stated that this neglect is equivalent to weakening the national economic structure. The issues in Karachi include a deteriorating public transport network, particularly the non-functional Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), broken roads, severe shortages of drinking water, constant electricity outages, and a law enforcement system plagued by corruption.
Hashmi also highlighted the controversial dual-domicile system in Sindh, which promotes employment and administrative discrimination by dividing citizens into urban and rural sectors, often leading to biased treatment and blocking job opportunities for many.
To address these issues, Hashmi proposed several measures. He urgently called for the establishment of new industrial zones and the restoration of key economic sites such as Pakistan Steel Mills and Korangi Fish Harbour. He also suggested the construction of industrial corridors connecting Karachi with Hyderabad and Keti Bandar to promote economic growth and employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the PDP leader demanded the expansion of educational and health facilities throughout Karachi, recommending the establishment of new universities and medical colleges in every city district. He also proposed the creation of technical education centers and a large-scale Safe City system to enhance security.
In conclusion, Hashmi appealed to the federal and provincial governments to allocate appropriate funds for the development of Karachi’s infrastructure, stating that investment in Karachi is essential for the prosperity of the entire nation. He urged authorities to fulfill their duties towards the city and its residents, thereby promoting economic and social stability.