President Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly given a strict three-month deadline to improve Karachi’s worsening condition. According to sources, the president strongly reprimanded Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab over the city’s deteriorating infrastructure and governance issues.
The details were shared by senior anchorperson Muhammad Malick during ARY News’ program Khabar Muhammad Malick Kay Saath. Sources revealed that President Zardari, along with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has been in Karachi for the past few days. During internal party meetings, the president expressed deep concern over the declining state of the country’s largest city.
Karachi, which is Pakistan’s economic hub, has been facing multiple challenges, including broken roads, incomplete development projects, drainage issues, and traffic problems. Public complaints have increased, and criticism of the PPP-led Sindh government has grown on both mainstream and social media platforms.
Strong Warning to Sindh Government and Karachi Mayor
Sources claim that President Zardari questioned the Sindh chief minister and the Karachi mayor about the obstacles they were facing. He reportedly asked whether they lacked funds or authority to complete important development projects.
The president is said to be unhappy with the slow pace of work and the growing comparison between Karachi and Lahore. Many citizens have pointed out that Lahore’s infrastructure development appears more organized and faster, while Karachi continues to struggle with basic civic problems.
President Zardari has instructed the Sindh government to bring visible and meaningful changes within three months. He emphasized that public complaints must decrease and there should be clear improvement in roads, drainage systems, and other civic facilities. According to sources, he wants practical results instead of promises.
Sindh Assembly Passes Resolution Rejecting Separate Province Status for Karachi
Focus on Fast-Track Infrastructure Development
One of the key concerns raised during the meeting was the delay in infrastructure projects. Sources said President Zardari expressed anger over projects that have remained incomplete for years.
He reportedly advised Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Mayor Murtaza Wahab to consult Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to understand how infrastructure projects, such as underpasses, can be completed within 60 days. President Zardari is said to have remarked, “Ask Mohsin Naqvi how an underpass is built within 60 days, while road projects here face years of delay.”
He further stated that he wants to see Karachi’s roads and infrastructure comparable to those in Islamabad. The president’s message was clear: delays will no longer be tolerated, and performance must improve.
PPP Leadership Concerned Over Media Criticism
Sources also revealed that President Zardari is deeply concerned about media and social media criticism targeting the PPP government in Sindh. The leadership believes that the party’s image is being affected by Karachi’s poor condition.
In addition, the recent Karachi Conference held at the Governor House by Governor Kamran Tessori reportedly caused displeasure within the PPP leadership. The party is said to be reviewing its political strategy and internal coordination in response to these developments.
No Support for New Province Proposal
During internal discussions, the PPP leadership reportedly indicated that while it may support certain matters related to the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, it will not entertain any discussion regarding the formation of a new province. Sources added that a change in the governor’s position is also under consideration.
President Zardari’s three-month deadline highlights the urgency of improving Karachi’s infrastructure, governance, and public services. With rising public pressure and increasing criticism, the coming months will be crucial for the Sindh government to deliver visible progress and restore public confidence in Pakistan’s largest city.
