Karachi, Pakistan’s economic powerhouse, has long suffered from federal neglect, leading to a severe infrastructure crisis. Despite contributing significantly to the national economy, the city has been overlooked in terms of development, resulting in widespread issues that threaten its future as a thriving urban center.
As the country’s largest city with a population exceeding 17 million, Karachi serves as the main gateway for trade and is a major driver of economic growth. However, its infrastructure is in a state of disrepair, plagued by problems such as crumbling roads, inadequate public transportation, water shortages, power outages, and poor waste management.
The federal government’s neglect of Karachi is not a new phenomenon but has become more pronounced in recent years. Promises of investment and development have been made repeatedly, only to be followed by inaction or delays that have left the city’s infrastructure in a state of crisis.
One of the most glaring examples of this neglect is the recent closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD), a decision that has brought federally funded infrastructure projects in Sindh to a standstill. The Pak-PWD was responsible for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure, and its closure has halted several critical projects, particularly in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The neglect of Karachi’s infrastructure has not gone unnoticed by its political leaders. Recently, a delegation from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), including senior leaders such as Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, Aminul Haq, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express their deep concerns. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s House, coincided with a protest by Pak-PWD employees in Islamabad, who feared that the department’s closure would leave hundreds jobless.
During the meeting, the MQM leaders highlighted the federal government’s neglect of Karachi’s infrastructure needs and the devastating impact of the Pak-PWD’s closure. They informed the Prime Minister that nearly all federally funded infrastructure projects in Sindh had been halted, as they were being carried out by the Pak-PWD. This included Rs15 billion worth of projects approved for Karachi and Rs5 billion for Hyderabad.
Aminul Haq, one of the MQM leaders, noted that the Prime Minister had previously increased funds for development work in Karachi from Rs10 billion to Rs15 billion. However, the closure of the Pak-PWD had effectively stalled these projects, with Rs20 billion worth of development work in Karachi and Hyderabad hanging in the balance. The MQM leaders made a desperate plea for the federal government to take immediate action to address the infrastructure crisis in Karachi, warning that continued neglect could have far-reaching consequences for the entire country.
The federal government’s neglect of Karachi’s infrastructure has already begun to take its toll on the city. The halting of development projects has left many areas of Karachi in a state of disrepair, with unfinished roads, incomplete buildings, and stalled public services becoming a common sight. The city’s residents are bearing the brunt of this neglect, with many struggling to access basic amenities such as clean water, electricity, and safe transportation.
The closure of the Pak-PWD has also had a significant economic impact. The stalling of infrastructure projects has led to job losses and reduced economic activity, further straining the city’s already fragile economy. Moreover, the lack of infrastructure development has made Karachi less attractive to investors, who are increasingly wary of committing to a city where basic services are unreliable and public projects are left unfinished.
The social impact of this neglect is also profound. Karachi’s poorer neighborhoods, which are often the most neglected in terms of infrastructure, are suffering the most. These areas lack basic services such as sanitation and clean water, leading to a lower quality of life for their residents. The federal government’s failure to invest in Karachi’s infrastructure has exacerbated these social inequalities, creating a city where the gap between the rich and poor is widening.
The federal government has a responsibility to ensure that Karachi’s infrastructure is developed and maintained to a standard befitting its status as Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub. This requires more than just promises of investment; it requires sustained action, adequate funding, and a commitment to completing projects on time.
One of the first steps the federal government must take is to reopen the Pak-PWD and ensure that it is adequately staffed and funded to carry out its essential functions. The federal government should also work closely with the provincial government and local authorities to ensure that development efforts are coordinated and that the needs of Karachi’s residents are met.
In addition, the federal government should consider establishing a dedicated task force to oversee infrastructure development in Karachi. This task force should be empowered to identify and prioritize key projects, monitor progress, and ensure accountability. It should include representatives from the federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as experts in urban planning and infrastructure development.
Karachi’s future as a thriving metropolis depends on the federal government’s willingness to invest in its infrastructure. The city’s economic potential is immense, but it cannot be realized without the necessary infrastructure to support its growth. The recent meeting between MQM leaders and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by concrete actions to address the infrastructure crisis in Karachi.
The federal government must recognize that Karachi’s success is vital to the success of Pakistan as a whole. By investing in Karachi’s infrastructure, the government can help to secure the city’s future and ensure that it continues to play its vital role in Pakistan’s economy. The time for promises has passed; it is now time for action.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
