Karachi Mayor Says Even Rs200 Billion Insufficient for City’s Needs, Avoids Comment on Punjab to ‘Keep Maryam Nawaz Unhappy’
Karachi: Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has said that even **Rs200 billion would not be enough** to meet the city’s requirements, stressing that if he cannot seek assistance from the Prime Minister for Karachi, then whom else should he approach.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new Cath Lab at Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD), Wahab said the facility had already conducted three operations on its opening day. He noted that residents of Federal B Area previously had to travel to NICVD for treatment, while KIHD had remained closed for years.
“Criticism alone does not solve problems; people will see for themselves where real work has been done,” Wahab remarked.
The Mayor criticized the **Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)** allocations, saying that southern Punjab is currently struggling, but unlike others, he does not wish to engage in confrontations. “If PIDCL is not working in Lahore, Multan, or Peshawar, then why should Karachi be neglected?” he asked.
On financial needs, Wahab reiterated: “Rs20 billion is nothing but a lollipop for Karachi. Even Rs200 billion would still be insufficient, but I will continue to demand Karachi’s due share.” He also said creating companies for city projects should not be an issue, as long as Karachi receives its rightful resources.
On Punjab’s issues, Wahab commented cautiously: “If I say something about Punjab, Maryam Nawaz will get upset. She raised concerns over water and canal issues, and the people of Punjab are in pain. It is our duty to help ease their suffering.”
Addressing corruption concerns, Wahab vowed strict action against any city employee found misusing funds. He cited the case of advance payments for an MRI machine at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, saying such matters would be thoroughly investigated.
Highlighting progress in health facilities, Wahab said that hospitals under **public-private partnerships** are running effectively, with KMC retaining ownership. He revealed that Spencer Eye Hospital had performed 200 surgeries in the past two and a half months, and new machines will allow free diagnostic tests for the public.
He also announced plans to install new equipment at KIHD and inaugurate a new block at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital within the month, despite political hurdles. He recalled previous efforts to merge the hospital with NICVD to strengthen healthcare delivery in the city.
