Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has announced plans to develop a mangroves and biodiversity park along China Creek, a major environmental initiative aimed at protecting the city’s coastal ecosystem and promoting climate resilience, eco tourism and public awareness.
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced the project during a visit to the proposed site. He said the initiative would help safeguard Karachi’s natural coastal assets while creating a meaningful public space for education, research, recreation and environmental learning.
According to the mayor, the proposed park is being designed as a long-term investment in Karachi’s environmental future at a time when the city is facing rapid urban growth, rising climate risks and increasing pressure on its coastal areas.
“Environmental sustainability must remain central to our development agenda,” Mayor Wahab said, adding that the project would help preserve Karachi’s ecological resources while encouraging tourism, community participation and greater public understanding of nature conservation.
The proposed biodiversity park will include dedicated mangrove conservation zones, ecological trails, educational facilities, public awareness programmes and a learning centre focused on environmental protection and coastal biodiversity.
KMC officials said the project would help connect citizens, students, researchers and visitors with Karachi’s natural environment. The learning centre is expected to play an important role in educating people about the importance of mangroves, marine life, climate adaptation and sustainable urban development.
Officials noted that mangrove forests are among the most important natural defences for coastal cities. They protect shorelines from erosion, reduce the impact of storm surges, support marine biodiversity and serve as breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic species.
Mangroves are also considered highly effective natural carbon sinks, as they absorb and store large quantities of carbon dioxide. Environmental experts believe that protecting and expanding mangrove cover can help cities such as Karachi respond more effectively to climate change, rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
The China Creek mangroves and biodiversity park forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Karachi’s environmental infrastructure and promote a more sustainable model of urban development.
The project is expected to provide both ecological and social benefits by preserving natural habitats, improving public access to green and coastal spaces, and encouraging environmental responsibility among citizens.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has sought approval from the City Council to introduce a new “Entertainment Tax” aimed at generating additional municipal revenue from the hospitality and events sector.
Under the proposed plan, the tax would be levied at a rate of 1% on the total bill of hotels, restaurants, guest houses, lodges, marriage halls, marquees, wedding lawns, Airbnb properties, and banquet facilities. Officials estimate that the measure could generate approximately Rs 1 billion annually.
According to a public notice issued by KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jaffar, the proposal will be presented in the upcoming financial year’s budget. The notice also invites public feedback, while a hearing has been scheduled for June 10 at the KMC headquarters to review objections and suggestions.
KMC’s tourism and municipal administration departments stated that the proposed tax is intended to strengthen the corporation’s financial position and improve public service delivery. The plan introduces a new category titled “Entertainment Tax – City Tourism and Hospitality” along with supporting bylaws under the existing tax framework.
Officials said that under the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, KMC is empowered to impose taxes, fees, and charges within its jurisdiction. If approved, the entertainment tax will become part of KMC’s broader revenue generation strategy.
This proposal marks the second major revenue initiative by KMC in recent years. In July 2024, the corporation introduced the Municipal Utility Charges Tax (MUCT), which is collected through K-Electric bills and currently generates around Rs 4 billion annually.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Karachi’s Azeempura Flyover project has been completed at a cost of Rs 1.47 billion and is expected to be opened for traffic next week, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced.
The mayor made the announcement during a late-night visit to the project site, where he reviewed the final stages of work. He said the main structure of the flyover had been completed, while only minor finishing work remained. According to him, the remaining work will be completed within a week, after which the flyover will be made operational for motorists.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said the project had successfully met the 100-day completion target set by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. He described the timely completion of the flyover as an important step in improving Karachi’s urban infrastructure and addressing the city’s growing traffic problems.
The Azeempura Flyover is expected to play a key role in improving traffic flow between Shahrah-e-Bhutto and Jinnah International Airport. Once opened, the project will provide better connectivity for commuters and help reduce congestion on surrounding roads, particularly in areas that experience heavy traffic pressure during peak hours.
The mayor said the project reflects the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s efforts to modernize the city’s road network and provide relief to citizens facing daily traffic delays. He added that infrastructure development remains a priority for the city administration, especially in areas where road bottlenecks affect travel time and public mobility.
Officials believe that the opening of the Azeempura Flyover will not only improve access to the airport but also support smoother movement across nearby commercial and residential areas. The project is being seen as part of a broader push to upgrade Karachi’s transport infrastructure and make key city routes more efficient for daily commuters.