KARACHI: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif performed the groundbreaking of Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) at a ceremony in the Governor House in Karachi on Friday.

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the determination to take the country on path of development again through unity despite challenges. The Prime Minister said it is heartening that both PPP and MQM are sincere and on the same page regarding the development of the province and the country. He said it is unity that can take us forward.

Talking about the K-IV project, the Prime Minister said it was a criminal act of PTI government to delay this vital project and announced that the PDM government will give it the top priority in the next budget to get it completed at the earliest.

He also asked the concerned ministers and officials to make sure that the project has all the required funds and resources.

PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that WAPDA will get due cooperation from the provincial government and all the other stakeholders to achieve the task of timely completion.

The Prime Minister said that the Government will also discuss other projects related to water including the desalination plants and will work with Sindh Government to resolve these with proper planning.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude for the supportive remarks made by Bilawal Bhutto, the Chairman of the PPP. He referred to Bilawal Bhutto as his younger brother and acknowledged the efforts of the coalition government in working together to overcome challenges and maintain unity over the past year.

Reflecting on the political landscape, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of unity in governance and credited it with enabling the government to confront significant challenges. He particularly highlighted the events of May 9, which he described as the darkest day in Pakistan's history due to an attempted political upheaval by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

PM Shehbaz Sharif praised the unity of the parliament in foiling the conspiracy, which he believed was backed by external forces.

The prime minister noted that Pakistan's economic development had been hindered by political chaos in the past year. However, he remained optimistic and expressed determination to resolve various issues, including inflation, in order to restore Pakistan's standing.

He assured the public that the government would tackle all challenges and work towards regaining the country's lost position.

Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the controversy surrounding the K-Four project, highlighting its significance for the people of Karachi. He criticized the politicization of the project and accused the former Prime Minister Imran Khan of neglecting it, highlighting that his administration would prioritize its completion.

PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned the use of inflammatory language in politics, particularly citing a statement allegedly made by a political leader to burn military installations. He vowed to focus on the welfare of the people and stressed that access to clean water was a fundamental right for all citizens.

The prime minister declared that the allocation of funds for the four projects, including K-Four, would be a top priority in the upcoming budget. He underscored the economic importance of Karachi as the country's highest-earning city and stated that politicizing issues related to drinking water in such a metropolis was unacceptable.

The K-Four project holds great promise for the residents of Karachi, who have long struggled with inadequate access to clean water. With the foundation stone laid and a renewed commitment from the prime minister, the project is expected to address this pressing issue and improve the quality of life for the city's inhabitants.

Addressing the ceremony, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that people of Sindh have huge hopes from the federal government and leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead us to the path of development.

He said Karachi is the main artery and economic hub of the country and development of this city can rid the country of IMF.

Talking about last year's floods, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Sindh faced devastation in a large area and even the infrastructure of the metropolis was destroyed.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also thanked the Prime Minister for finally giving the people of Karachi the gift of K-IV and said the Federal Government's interest in the welfare of Karachi is much appreciated.

Speaking on the occasion the Chairman WAPDA Retired Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani informed that the Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme K-IV would resolve the water supply issue to a huge extent by providing 65 crore gallons of water to Karachi on daily basis.

He said that the project is being completed in two phases, of which the first phase is already underway and will be completed by the end of next year.

He said that the first phase is being completed at a cost of 126 billion rupees that is being provided by Federal Government.

Chairman WAPDA further informed that the completion the first phase would provide 26 crore gallons of water while 39 crore gallons will be added to the supply system after the completion of second phase.

He said that thunder the e project, 111 kilometer long pipeline will be laid to supply water to Karachi from Keenjhar Lake.