Karachi: Karachi, one of the least developed megacities globally, requires a transformation into a modern, efficient, and liveable city, according to Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP). The statement was made during a press briefing held on Sunday.
Shakoor highlighted the longstanding aspirations of Karachi’s residents for a city that offers high quality of life, sustainability, and opportunities. He emphasized the urgent need for affordable and quality housing with options to suit various income levels. He also called for improvements in public transportation, noting that the Karachi Circular Railway should be revitalized as the backbone of the city’s transit system.
The PDP Chairman pointed out the current lack of parks and green spaces in the city, and stressed the importance of developing recreational areas. He also addressed the pressing need for better safety standards and effective law enforcement, noting the delays in the implementation of the safe city project.
Shakoor underscored the importance of accessible quality healthcare and education, advocating for well-equipped hospitals and educational institutions. He also highlighted the issue of rising unemployment, urging government support for small businesses and sectors like fisheries and maritime to boost job creation.
Addressing the ongoing issues of water, electricity, and gas shortages, Shakoor called for these resources to be prioritized and made affordable for all residents. He urged the federal and provincial governments to allocate sufficient funds in the next budget aimed at making Karachi a liveable megacity.
Shakoor concluded by stressing that modern megacities are self-sustainable in terms of amenities and resources. He advocated for a transportation system integrating circular railways with road networks and called for resource allocation aligned with population growth and migration rates. Effective management of megacities, he noted, can only be achieved through transparent systems operated by elected representatives.