Farooq Sattar criticises Sindh govt, mayor over stalled Karachi projects

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Farooq Sattar on Wednesday criticised the Sindh government and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab for delays in key development projects across the city.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Sattar pointed to stalled initiatives such as the K-IV water supply scheme, the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and incomplete roadworks including the Karimabad underpass and Malir Expressway. He attributed the delays to funding shortages, utility relocation challenges, regulatory hurdles, and weak coordination between government departments.

Referring to the Green Line BRT extension project, which was recently halted, Sattar said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had cited the absence of a no-objection certificate (NOC) as the reason for the suspension of work. He questioned the decision, arguing that approvals had already been obtained in 2017.

Sattar alleged that the project was stalled to prevent the MQM from receiving credit for the scheme. He further criticised Wahab for making “hundreds of promises” that, according to him, had not been fulfilled.

The MQM leader also highlighted long-standing issues with the K-IV project, first launched in the 2000s to address Karachi’s water shortages, saying it had remained incomplete despite years of planning. He described the provincial administration as unable to deliver projects and urged it to seek an apology from residents for the delays.

Sattar also cited problems with ongoing infrastructure works, including incomplete underpasses in Karimabad and Gulistan-i-Jauhar, as well as an unfulfilled promise of a Korangi Causeway flyover. He criticised the quality of construction on Shahrah-i-Bhutto, portions of which were damaged during recent rainfall.