Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that no one has provided as many resources to Karachi as former President Asif Ali Zardari did. Speaking at the inauguration of the Qayyumabad to Shah Faisal Malir Expressway, which has been named the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Expressway, Bilawal highlighted his family’s continued efforts for the city’s development spanning three generations.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, members of the Sindh Cabinet, PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro, former Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, and other senior party leaders.
In his address, Bilawal emphasized that PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had initiated several major projects for Karachi, including the Steel Mills and Shahra-e-Faisal. He also acknowledged the role of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who fought against two military regimes, with Karachi’s youth playing a pivotal role in these struggles.
Bilawal continued, “The sacrifices of PPP workers have been remarkable, and the resources President Zardari provided to Karachi were unparalleled. Even Mustafa Kamal’s statements about the city’s development are on record.” He added that public-private partnerships (PPP) have been successful in implementing many projects in the city.
Discussing Karachi’s issues, Bilawal emphasized the need to collaborate with the private sector to address them. He urged business communities to be assured of profits in order to encourage foreign investment in the city.
He also raised concerns about the city’s water crisis, which has persisted since the era of Qaim Ali Shah. Bilawal welcomed Sindh Chief Minister’s initiative on desalination plants and urged the municipal authorities to focus on water projects. “In the next budget, we will allocate space for solar and green energy projects,” he stated.
Bilawal reiterated his commitment to positive politics and assured that PPP’s development efforts would be visible in the coming years, particularly when he participates in future elections.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah’s Remarks
Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, speaking at the inaugural event, praised the PPP’s commitment to public-private partnerships. He recalled that three decades ago, late Benazir Bhutto had announced a Karachi Package, which included the expressway project now being launched under Bilawal’s leadership.
He explained that despite initial challenges in financing the project, PPP’s efforts have ensured its completion. “This is not just a Karachi project; it is for the entire country,” he said. Murad Ali Shah also spoke about various water and infrastructure projects, including the Karachi Water Supply Project and the plan to bring additional 160 million gallons of water to Karachi.
He also touched on the issue of motorways, urging the federal government to expedite the construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur motorway, a project that falls under its jurisdiction.
“Karachi’s issues are complex, but through collective efforts, solutions will emerge,” he concluded.
