Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, addressing the Sindh Assembly during the ongoing budget debate for fiscal year 2025-26, revealed that out of the total Rs. 131.9 billion allocated for local government development schemes across Sindh, a substantial Rs. 104.5 billion have been dedicated solely to Karachi. In addition to this, billions more will be spent on Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Karachi Development Authority (KDA), and other mega projects.
Ghani strongly criticized the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), accusing it of selling the idea of Sindh’s division as political propaganda. “The same MQM was part of governments under Jam Sadiq and Arbab Ghulam Rahim, but never moved a constitutional resolution to create a new province when they had the majority,” he said. “MQM keeps using the idea of Sindh’s division to sell their political narrative, but we will not let hatred and division define our politics.”
Highlighting the development work carried out by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Ghani stated that mega projects have been launched in areas where the party does not even have a single councillor. He mentioned that the most development has been carried out in Districts Korangi and Central, including major infrastructure upgrades such as Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Korangi Causeway, and Jam Sadiq Bridge.
According to Ghani, during the past fiscal year, 424 schemes were completed in Karachi – an unprecedented achievement. He further announced that five mega projects and eight KDA schemes have been allocated more than Rs. 20 billion with 100% funding. Additionally, over Rs. 1 billion have been earmarked for business zones across the city.
Discussing water issues, the Minister said that the K-IV water supply project, delayed due to lack of federal funding in the past, is now progressing rapidly with assistance from the World Bank and the federal government. He announced that the rehabilitation of the Hub Canal and construction of a new canal are in their final stages and will be inaugurated on August 14, 2025, adding 100 MGD to Karachi’s water supply.
Ghani also addressed ongoing work on sewerage treatment plants TP-I, TP-III, and TP-IV, and multiple other water and sanitation projects at the UC and town level. He emphasized the need to end K-Electric’s “collective punishment” policy where entire neighborhoods suffer power cuts due to a few defaulters. “I have requested the Chief Minister to take strict action against this unfair system,” he added.
Refuting allegations that PPP neglects Karachi, Ghani said funds were distributed based on need, not political affiliation. “It’s incorrect to say that we allocate funds only to PPP strongholds. Our budget documents prove otherwise,” he asserted. He challenged opposition members to examine completed projects before making sweeping statements.
Touching on political history, Ghani defended the legacy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. “Both leaders gave their lives for democracy and the Constitution. Before criticizing them, one must understand their contributions and sacrifices,” he stated.
He also responded to criticism from opposition member Owais Gujar, who claimed PPP lacks support in Karachi. Ghani retorted that PPP was Karachi’s leading party in 1970 and continued to receive strong support until the rise of “forces of ballot tampering.”
Criticizing MQM’s boycott of local body elections, he remarked, “You didn’t boycott; you ran away because you knew you’d lose.” He urged MQM to stop reviving divisive narratives and move beyond the politics of fear and violence.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the PPP’s commitment to inclusive development and urged the opposition to engage in constructive debate. “Politics is temporary; let’s not leave behind a legacy of hate. Let us work together for a better future for Sindh and its people,” he said.