Karachi: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar Khan has said that the city's devastated infrastructure was undeniable evidence of the Pakistan People's Party's hostility towards Karachi.
Accompanied by KMC Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate, Monem Zafar expressed these views while addressing a press conference held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI Karachi headquarters, here on Friday. He stated that the 'occupying mayor' Murtaza Wahab had announced on September 1 that all road resurfacing work would be completed within 60 days, but 40 days have passed with no visible progress.
Jahangir Road, Natha Khan Bridge, S.M. Taufiq Road, Mirza Adam Khan Road, 7000 Feet Road, New Karachi, Malir Town, Ibrahim Hyderi, and Lyari remain broken and full of overflowing sewage, causing immense suffering to citizens, he said.
Monem Zafar Khan lamented that billions were spent annually on road carpeting, but the roads washed away after a single rainfall.
Over the past 15 years, Rs 3,360 billion that should have been spent on Karachi's development were not utilized, he said while highlighting the corruption on part of the PPP government.
The Karimabad underpass project has missed four completion deadlines, the Red Line project has no completion in sight, and the Green Line has also been stalled, he said while expressing his disapproval.
He said that Murtaza Wahab was preoccupied with the MUCT (Municipal Utility Charges and Taxes), instead of Karachi's Rs 880 billion rightful dues, which he said are urgently needed for the city's development.
The JI leader added that while the city's infrastructure was in ruins, the Sindh government had imposed heavy traffic fines - Rs 5,000 for motorcycles, Rs 15,000 for cars, and Rs 20,000 for heavy vehicles - showing more concern for penalties than public welfare.
Monem Zafar demanded the provincial government to allocate Rs 2 billion per town, and the federal government to allocate Rs 500 billion, for Karachi's reconstruction, and that all development plans be completed in consultation with all stakeholders.
He further said that load-shedding of up to 18 hours continues in parts of the city, while street crimes have surged dangerously.
So far this year, 68 citizens have been killed by street criminals, 96 extortion cases have been reported, and thousands of other crimes go unreported, he said and asked, 'Where are the law enforcement agencies?' noting that the city's business community and industrialists are deeply distressed, and such an environment is crippling industry.
Monem Zafar also criticized the water and sewerage corporation, calling it a 'curse for citizens', and held Murtaza Wahab directly responsible in his capacity as chairman.
He said that despite ruling Sindh for 17 years, the PPP has done nothing tangible for Karachi. In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami's elected representatives are actively working on public service projects in nine towns - including the construction of 600 streets in New Karachi, model neighborhoods and health centers in Gulberg, and the rehabilitation of 171 parks across these towns.
He highlighted that long-standing sewerage problems in North Nazimabad are being resolved through JI's efforts - despite this being the KMC's responsibility - and similar development works are underway in Gulshan, Landhi, and Jinnah Towns.
Expressing sorrow over the martyrdom of FC and army officers and soldiers in Orakzai and Panjgur, he said their sacrifices for the nation are commendable and law enforcement agencies must ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
He also expressed deep grief over the murder of Tufail Rind, General Secretary of Mirpur Mathelo Press Club, demanding the immediate arrest and punishment of the culprits, stating that journalists' protection is a fundamental government responsibility.
Regarding international affairs, Munim Zafar Khan said that the Gaza ceasefire marks a 'major victory for Hamas and the people of Gaza', achieved through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs, mothers, children, and elders who defended Masjid al-Aqsa.
He praised people around the world who protested against Israeli aggression, saying they 'made humanity proud.'
He paid tribute to the Global Samoud Flotilla volunteers who defied Israel's blockade to deliver aid to Gaza, adding that Israel is now a 'defeated power.' He said the U.S. provided Israel with $21 billion and advanced weapons, and vetoed six UN resolutions, yet could not save Israel from defeat.
Monem Zafar emphasized that over the past two years, Jamaat-e-Islami has consistently raised its voice for the people of Gaza, and through Al-Khidmat Foundation, has sent 4,857 tons of aid worth Rs 7.9 billion via 28 aircraft and 4 ships to Palestine.
Also present at the press conference were Information Secretary Zahid Askari, Public Aid Committee Secretary Najeeb Ayyubi, and Senior Deputy Information Secretary Sohaib Ahmed.