Gulshan town: Construction, rehabilitation of streets under way: Monem

Karachi's Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Monem Zafar announced that construction and rehabilitation work on over 1,005 streets and roads have commenced in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town under JI's administration. Speaking at a press conference, Zafar revealed that the project will involve laying asphalt and paver blocks on 10.3 million square feet of roads.

Additionally, work is underway on sports facilities, youth centers, model dispensaries, parks, model markets, urban forests, and playgrounds for young people. Efforts are being made to transform KDA Market into a model market and to improve Dhoraji Market, aiming to make Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town truly green.

Despite lacking powers and resources, Zafar highlighted that JI has completed the re-carpeting of 42 roads and the carpeting of around one million square feet of roads in the area over the last three years. Two youth centers and two model neighborhoods were also established, thousands of streetlights were installed, and various development projects, including the restoration of parks, were completed. JI spent over Rs90 million on the welfare of town employees, covering medical, pension, bonus, and other dues, he stated.

Furthermore, a water supply project was successfully completed at a cost of Rs200 million, according to Zafar. He emphasized that without empowering local bodies, a permanent solution to people's basic problems remains unattainable. Zafar reiterated JI's belief that empowered local governments should be established across the country, including Karachi, and assured that JI will fulfill the trust placed in it by Karachi's people.

Zafar noted that during the mayorship of Naimatullah Khan, record development work was carried out in the area, including the construction of Rashid Minhas Road and other roads, which are still in excellent condition. He emphasized that JI has always used available resources honestly and as a trust for public service. In the 2005 local government elections, the people of Gulshan-e-Iqbal expressed confidence in JI's leadership, but the results were altered, and Gulshan Town was occupied. Regardless, JI continued its public service and works beyond its resources and powers.

Currently, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town faces several challenges. The local government area has reduced from 13 union councils to eight union committees in the past three years. The town has not seen a substantial increase in Octroi Zila Tax (OZT) during the first two years of local government establishment. Townspeople spent about Rs70 million from their own resources to pay employees' salaries over that period, and it is unjust to expect local bodies to solve public issues without adequate resources, according to Zafar.

University Road, passing through the middle of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, has been disrupted for the Red Line BRT project since 2021, causing difficulties for citizens. The project, which started in 2021, is expected to be completed by October 2023 but has been delayed, with differing estimates from the provincial government and the transport minister.

Zafar argued that rebuilding University Road would be a restoration of an existing road, not the completion of a new project. He also recalled that in 2019, JI's Public Aid Committee successfully campaigned for the construction of University Road, resulting in its completion.

However, citizens today continue to face dilapidated roads, traffic congestion, and commuting difficulties.