Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has described Karachi as a megalopolis facing serious challenges, including encroachments on public land, waterways and storm-water drains, unplanned commercialization and inadequate infrastructure development.
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Speaking about the city’s development challenges, Shah said Karachi had faced years of pressure on its infrastructure and resources. He added that the provincial government had undertaken major reconstruction and development projects over the past decade.
CM Blames Decades of Unplanned Growth
Murad Ali Shah said the problems affecting Karachi’s infrastructure began to intensify during the 1980s under a dictatorial government.
According to the chief minister, the period saw widespread encroachment of the city’s land and the rapid growth of squatter settlements.
He said the expansion of informal settlements and encroachments created long-term challenges for Karachi’s urban planning and infrastructure.
Devolution Plan Aggravated Situation
The Sindh chief minister also criticised aspects of the devolution system, saying the now-defunct city governments were given extensive powers without adequate accountability for the Nazims, or mayors.
He said the transfer of land revenue powers to the Nazims contributed to unplanned land allotments, including areas around drains, natural waterways and important installations.
Shah said these decisions further complicated efforts to manage Karachi’s land and infrastructure in a planned manner.
Government Cannot Simply Remove Squatter Settlements
The chief minister acknowledged the difficulties involved in dealing with illegal settlements across the city.
He said the government could not simply demolish houses in squatter settlements because doing so would leave thousands of people homeless.
The remarks highlight the complex challenge faced by authorities in balancing efforts to address encroachments and improve urban infrastructure with the need to avoid displacing large numbers of residents.
