No Proposal Under Consideration to Bring Karachi Under Federal Control: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to bring Karachi under federal control.

Speaking during a private television program, the minister said that under the current National Finance Commission (NFC) award, provinces receive a larger share of resources, which has created financial constraints for the federal government and is affecting the completion of key strategic development projects.

He further stated that the government has no intention of abolishing the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). However, there is a proposal under discussion suggesting that provinces should handle payments to eligible beneficiaries themselves, as poverty alleviation has become a provincial responsibility after the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

Responding to a question, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that no proposal regarding placing Karachi under federal administration is currently being considered.