‘Clean Karachi’ campaign kicks off
ISLAMABAD: A federal government-initiated campaign to clean Karachi began on Sunday with the first target to de-silt all storm-water drains before Eid Al Adha.
The “Clean Karachi” drive is being launched on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan in close partnership with the Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) led local government setup and federal institutions like Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and National Logistics Cell.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi of the Pakistan Tehrik-e-insaf (PTI) announced the campaign earlier this week.
The issue of cleanliness in Karachi oten brings the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led Sindh government under serious criticism since it has been ruling the province for the past 11 years and enjoying the management control of key civic institutions like the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and Sindh Building Control Authority.
Zaidi told reporters that in the first phase they are going to clear all storm drains in Karachi. “I have very clear directives from Imran who said clean the city — whatever it takes. We are determined and moving with a very positive approach. I am thankful to Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar and PTI lawmakers, who have assured their full support and are all set to achieve the target,” he said.
He said no Sindh minister has contacted him. He said the prime minister has directed that Karachi could not be let helpless the way it had been by the Sindh government for such a long time.
Zaidi said his ministry had talked to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for its role in situations like heavy rain.
Besides, he said, the FWO and NLC would be providing logistic support for the “Clean Karachi” campaign.
“It’s quite unfortunate that the Sindh government has never cared about Karachi and its people and their mismanagement of the past 11 years has now resulted in the massive suffering of the citizens of this megacity. We need to find a permanent solution and we are standing shoulder to shoulder with the mayor of Karachi to cope with the emergency situation triggered by the recent rains in the city. Our campaign has received tremendous response from the people as well and we look forward to the contribution of every segment of society,” he said.