Karachi: Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar Khan has said that the Pakistan Peoples Party’s provincial government was ‘looting billions of rupees from Karachiites in the name of garbage collection.’
Monem Zafar Khan expressed these views while inaugurating ‘Bagh Ali’ Family Park in Block 7, UC-4, Gulberg Town, alongside Gulberg Central District Ameer Kamran Siraj and Gulberg Town Chairman Nusratullah. The park was reopened for the public after renovation, beautification, and reconstruction.
He said that waste collection was the responsibility of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, which works under the Sindh government, while the ‘occupying mayor’ serves as its chairman.
Monem Zafar said that the public is asking why the solid waste department has failed and why heaps of garbage can still be seen on roadsides and in different parts of the city. He added that garbage collection was not the responsibility of town administrations, but despite this, their town chairmen were trying to improve cleanl
iness using their own budgets.
Highlighting the party’s development work, he said Gulberg Town has delivered 42 parks in the last three years, while across their nine towns, 240 parks have been restored and 48 playgrounds revived.
He said the JI vision is clear: to serve the public and continue the journey of development and progress. He added that alongside this mission, they will continue their struggle for Karachi’s rightful resources and powers.
He stated that the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board receives Rs1.3 billion annually per UC, yet the condition of garbage on the city’s roads and streets remains visible to all. During the rainy season, he said, piles of waste further worsen the situation.
He noted that the annual budget of the Solid Waste Management Board is Rs43 billion, while the Water Corporation’s budget stands at Rs47 billion, yet more than half the city still lacks access to clean drinking water and no effective garbage disposal system exists.
He further remarked that the inauguration
of the road from Ziauddin Hospital to KDA Road and Jifco Ground had caused discomfort to the ‘occupying mayor.’ Referring to criticism of their work, he said: ‘To those troubled by our progress, we only say: work hard instead of being jealous, and fulfill your own responsibilities.’
Residents gave Monem Zafar a warm welcome on his arrival, presenting him with flower garlands and appreciating the efforts of Jamaat-e-Islami’s elected representatives. UC-4 Chairman Syed Azeemullah Hussaini, Park Director Nadeem Hanif, and others also addressed the ceremony.