KARACHI: Murtaza Wahab of Pakistan Peoples' Party took oath as Mayor. PPP Salman Abdullah Murad took oath as Deputy Mayor. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah attended ceremony. 

Bilawal Bhutto felicitates Mayor and Deputy Mayor. "I would like to congratulate Murtaza Wahab and Salman Abdullah for taking oath as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively." 

Bilawal Bhutto emphasised sacrifices rendered by PPP, saying, "PPP workers have rendered great sacrifices. For decades, PPP had to face threats from hatred and fanaticism". He said PPP's victory in mayoral race was dedicated to martyrs.

He took swipe at opposition, saying, "We will respond to our critics through our performance." In addition to advising JI to avoid joining hands with party that attacked military installations, He added JI should cooperate with other political parties. He thought that Karachi's issues were in line with centre. "PPP was once stopped from picking up its own mayor," he added.

While talking to journalists, Bilawal Bhutto said that Karachi can resolve its issue easily as it has much potential. Federal and provincial governments will also have to resolve Karachi issues.

“Collections will be increased if local government institutions impose taxes. PPP has raised slogan to resolve Karachi issues through joint efforts.”

He added that PPP’s mayor and deputy mayor have been elected in Karachi for first time. He added that they are fighting against politics of hatred and extremism in city for generations.

Bilawal said that PPP will respond to those who are levelling vote rigging allegations through its performance. He claimed that elections had always been snatched from PPP in past but party failed opponents’ tactics this time.

Bilawal claimed that he will be accountable for five-year performance of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. PPP Chairman said that majority of Karachi issues are linked to federal and provincial governments and party will coordinate with federal government to build Karachi.

He recommended LG government work under public-private partnership just like provincial government.

Speaking about PPP's relationships with PML-N, he asserted that there were no differences between two parties, adding only difference could take place between two parties due to different policy. In reference to Greek boat tragedy, "Bilawal Bhutto said incident is quite deplorable."

Murtaza Wahab, Kashif Shoro from Hyderabad, Arsalan Sheikh from Sukkur and Abdul Rauf from Mirpurkhas had been elected mayors. Rasheed Bhatti was elected mayor in Shaheed Benazirabad and Anwar Ali Lohar from Larkana.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 19 2023

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