Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that Karachi is not merely a city but Pakistan’s economic, social and national identity. If Karachi progresses, Pakistan progresses. We must eliminate negative thinking and prejudices and work together for the development of the city.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held at a local hotel on Monday to mark the launch of Pakistan’s largest-ever 15-day ‘Salam Karachi’ celebrations, organized by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in connection with the ‘Azadi Festival and Defence Day’ as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
Karachi belongs to everyone, and we should proudly say that this city is ours and will always remain ours. Through the encouragement and guidance of Karachi’s youth, we want to project the city’s positive image before the world.
Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jaffer, Adviser to the Chief Minister Sindh Najmi Alam, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Karamullah Waqasi, City Council members, Town Chairmen, UC Chairmen and a large number of students were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the participants, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab appreciated the entire KMC team for working in accordance with the vision of the party chairman to serve the city and project Karachi’s positive and strong identity before the world.
He said that everyone celebrates Independence Day and also remembers the response given to India on Defence Day in September. Therefore, it was considered appropriate to organize 15 days of celebrations to commemorate both occasions and present the positive image of Karachi to the world.
The Mayor announced that the ‘Salam Karachi’ Festival had been formally launched. He said that from August 25 to September 7, numerous cultural, recreational, sports and musical activities would be held at different locations across Karachi, including a variety of programs for citizens and families.
He said that a Grand Bazaar, cultural shows and stalls for women would be organized, while family festivals, a talent hunt and musical nights would also be held. During the festival, bike and cycle rallies, a food festival, road shows, musical performances, a marathon, seminars and various other family-oriented programs would also take place.
Barrister Murtaza said that the objective was to motivate, encourage and guide the youth of Karachi so that the negative perception associated with the city could be eliminated. ‘We want to send a message to the world that when Karachi moves forward, Pakistan moves forward. The development of this city is, in fact, the development of Pakistan,’ he said.
He said that he was born in Karachi, received his education in the city and began his legal education here. Whatever honour and position he had attained today had a great connection with this city. Therefore, everyone should rise above their individual thoughts, desires and personal interests and think about Karachi and its future.
The Mayor said that the objective of the present Karachi administration was to bring hearts together and unite people. The administration wanted to eliminate the mindset of division among those who had faced discrimination and deprivation. ‘We should celebrate every day that we are a living and united community. If we all work together with pride and love in our hearts, no government or power can stop Karachi from progressing,’ he said.
He said that it was often claimed that the people of Karachi had left the city, but the reality was that countless people from different parts of the country had made Karachi their home, and Karachi had welcomed them.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the mindset and prejudice that Karachi belongs only to one person or one group must be eliminated once and for all. ‘We must speak with one voice and say that Karachi belongs to all of us and will always remain ours,’ he said.
