Lea Market to Be Restored in 3 Months, Says Murtaza Wahab

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated on Sunday that 2026 marks the year of implementing the Pakistan Peoples Party’s manifesto, announcing that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will allocate Rs700 million for development projects in the Old City area.

Addressing the media, the mayor reaffirmed his commitment to heritage preservation, saying, “We will complete restoration of historic Lea Market within three months.” He emphasised that the project is part of broader efforts to revive Karachi’s historic districts while improving civic infrastructure.

Wahab also shared an update on the city’s long-standing water issues, confirming that augmentation work on the K-IV water supply project has officially begun. Highlighting the administration’s resolve, he said, “We will resolve the chronic water problem of Karachi”.

Speaking about the challenges faced during development initiatives, the mayor noted that the city administration often encounters resistance. “We are accused and receive threats on daily basis over development works,” he said, underscoring the political and operational pressures surrounding urban reforms.

The mayor further addressed the issue of water theft, acknowledging the presence of illegal hydrants and unauthorised connections across the city. He announced the formation of a special tribunal to deal with such cases, stating, “We have constituted tribunal to proceed over illegal water connections”. He added firmly, “We will take straight action over water theft against culprits.”

Commenting on local government finances, Wahab pointed out that several towns continue to collect taxes despite citing funding shortages. “We can only pray for them; we are not facing shortage of funds,” he remarked, stressing that KMC remains financially capable of executing its development agenda.