Karachi: Citing significant neglect in the development of major cities in Sindh, Altaf Shakoor, the chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), demanded the creation of a separate ministry of urban development in the province on Sunday.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor emphasized that urban development is crucial for economic growth and can be a powerful force for sustainable development. He highlighted the potential benefits of well-managed urbanization, such as reduced poverty and inequality through improved access to employment, education, and healthcare. However, he criticized the current state of urban planning in Sindh’s cities, particularly Karachi, for leading to issues like congestion, pollution, and social exclusion.

Shakoor pointed out that while larger cities tend to be wealthier, they are also more unequal, with disparities in access to essential services across different neighborhoods. He described the urban poor in slums as facing the most severe conditions of disadvantage and poverty. The PDP chairman also noted that effective urban planning is essential to manage growth, attract businesses, and ensure equitable development across urban areas.

In his appeal, Shakoor urged PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to establish the proposed ministry, suggesting that the Chief Minister himself should take charge to ensure focused and efficient development efforts, and to allocate a sufficient budget for this purpose.