Karachi’s Progress: A National Priority
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, lauded the enduring contributions of his party and his family’s three generations to Karachi’s development, emphasizing that the city’s progress is integral to Pakistan’s overall prosperity. Speaking at the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Expressway, constructed under the Sindh government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, he underscored Karachi’s pivotal role in the nation’s advancement.
Acknowledging a Legacy of Visionary Leadership
The PPP Chairman paid tribute to the revolutionary initiatives of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan’s first elected Prime Minister, who spearheaded transformative projects such as Shahrah-e-Faisal and Pakistan Steel Mills. He highlighted Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s focus on infrastructure, employment, and peace for Karachi, despite facing political challenges. “My mission is to ensure public progress while carrying forward the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” he reaffirmed.
Recognition of Asif Ali Zardari’s Contributions
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also credited President Asif Ali Zardari for generously supporting Karachi’s development. He remarked, “Ask former Karachi Mayor Mustafa Kamal; he will confirm that President Asif Ali Zardari provided the highest funds for Sindh.”
The Transformative Role of Public-Private Partnerships
Highlighting the success of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Expressway, he explained the necessity of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, adopted due to the federal government’s lack of resource allocation to Sindh. He noted that Sindh’s effective use of this model has led to landmark achievements in education, healthcare, and energy sectors. “Projects like Shahrah-e-Bhutto exemplify how public services can be delivered efficiently and transparently,” he stated.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that the PPP model has garnered international acclaim, showcasing Sindh’s leadership in good governance. He urged the federal government and other provinces to replicate Sindh’s success by adopting similar approaches.
Addressing Federal Disparities and Business Opportunities
The PPP Chairman criticized the federal government’s discriminatory treatment of Sindh, likening it to stepmotherly behavior. He called on the business community of Karachi and across Pakistan to invest in Sindh’s PPP projects, inviting collaboration for sustained growth and development.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Leaders and Luminaries
The event witnessed the presence of prominent personalities, including Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, and Special Assistant to CM Qasim Naveed Qamar. Renowned business figures and celebrities such as Arif Habib, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Faisal Edhi, former cricket captain Younis Khan, and Behroze Sabzwari also attended, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Through initiatives like the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Expressway, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to transforming Karachi and Sindh into hubs of progress and prosperity, ensuring a brighter future for all.
