Meat market gets a facelift
It seems that the Centre has beef with Karachi, for literally chopping its development funds on the block. Mayor Murtaza Wahab, addressing the inaugural of the renovated meat market at the city's iconic Empress Market, minced no words in criticizing the rulers in the federal capital lack of funding for the economic hub of the country considered a cash cow by all.
"The meat market has been provided a clean and hygienic environment," Wahab announced, standing before rows of freshly refurbished stalls now gleaming under new lighting. On the occasion, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Municipal Commissioner Syed Afzal Zaidi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Dil Muhammad, and other notable figures were also present.
The mayor noted that the market, once dead meat in terms of infrastructure, now boasts 29 modern stalls, promising improved livelihoods for those in the meat and potatoes of daily commerce. A new parking facility catering to 400 cars and 150 motorcycles, he said, would finally carve out space in the historically congested area.
The mayor stated that after renovating the vacant part of Empress Market, the remaining section will also be restored and beautified, including the iconic clock, which will be fixed.
Further, Wahab stated that when the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) took control of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) two years ago, it decided not to complain about lack of authority and used whatever resources it had for the city's improvement, and to resolve the citizens' problems. He noted that Frere Hall, Khaliq Dina Hall, and Denso Hall have been restored and reopened to the public, and that six more KMC markets will be renovated this year.
Meanwhile, Wahab stated that Rs40 billion had been requested from the federal government for the K-IV water supply project. However, he asserted that only Rs3.5 billion have been allocated in the budget for it. Further, the mayor said that Rs100 billion had been demanded from the federal government for Karachi, but not a single rupee has been given to KMC, although the city contributes significantly to the country's revenue.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Punjab unveils Rs5,335bn tax-free budget for 2025-26
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman on Monday presented a Rs5,335 billion budget for fiscal year 2025–26 in the provincial assembly, terming it a "people-friendly" plan aligned with the development vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The provincial cabinet, led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved the budget ahead of the session. CM Maryam addressed the 27th provincial cabinet meeting, announcing zero-tax budget for fiscal year 2025–26. Chief minister said the budget reflects 'every rupee as a public trust' and is guided by 'accountability before God.' In her address, Maryam Nawaz highlighted a 47% increase in the Annual Development Programme (ADP), taking it to Rs1,240 billion, while ensuring no new taxes were introduced. 'This is a zero-tax budget and also the largest development budget in Punjab's history,' she said. She noted that despite record allocations, 'no financial scandal has emerged,' crediting improved financial discipline, e-tendering processes, and a focus on transparency and good governance. 'Instead of raising taxes, we will focus on expanding the tax net,' she said, while expressing dissatisfaction over the Punjab Revenue Authority's performance, adding that 'there is room for improvement.' CM Maryam Nawaz outlined several achievements and goals, including the launch of 100 innovative development projects, 94 new public programmes, and the construction or expansion of 12,000 kilometres of roads. '700 roads are currently under construction,' she added. The chief minister reaffirmed her government's focus on health and education, promising provision of free medicines and infrastructure upgrades in public schools. She also announced that the minimum wage had been set at Rs40,000 and called for the digitalisation of wage systems. Maryam Nawaz credited her team's efforts, applauding the senior minister and the chief secretary's performance, noting that her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, also praised the cabinet's work. 'We declared an emergency in Punjab and delivered. We met IMF conditions and still presented a Rs740 billion budget surplus,' she said. She also hinted at a possible performance-based bonus system for civil servants and said the province had achieved a 94% reduction in local borrowing. Calling the 2025–26 budget a 'historic public service package,' she concluded, 'The work ethic in Punjab has transformed. Power is a trust from God; serving people is our mission.' Senior Minister for Planning & Development Marriyum Aurangzeb and Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman gave detailed briefings during the session. In a post on social platform X, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Annual Development Programme (ADP) had been increased by 47%—from Rs842 billion to Rs1,240 billion—despite a 'compressed' overall fiscal space. Government operational expenses rose by just 3%, even with salary and pension hikes. Punjab Budget Highlight Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved Punjab Annual budget. Despite a comparatively compressed budget, the ADP has increased by 47% from 842 bn to 1240 bn while government operational expenses rose only by 3%, even after salary & pension… — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) June 16, 2025 Aurangzeb described the budget as a historic and strategic realignment of priorities, calling it a departure from outdated traditions under the chief minister's 'fearless and reformist leadership.'
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Winners of Rs200 prize bond draw for June 2025 announced; complete list
Listen to article The National Savings Centre announced the winners of the Rs200 prize bond draw, held in Quetta on June 16, 2025. The draw is part of a regular series for prize bonds issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), which are a popular investment option in the country. Prize bonds are available in various denominations starting from Rs100, offering individuals a chance to win cash prizes through periodic draws. These bonds can be purchased and encashed at designated commercial banks, SBP Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC) offices, and National Savings Centres, upon submission of an application form and a copy of a valid CNIC. First prize winner Bond number 774331 has won the first prize of Rs750,000. Second prize winners Bond holders have each won Rs250,000. The winning bond numbers are 097127, 265610 , 464840, 976082 and 978550. Third prize winners The full list of Rs200 prize bond draw results for June 2025 will be posted here once released by National Savings Centre Quetta. Prize bond 2025 schedule On January 1, the National Savings Division released the schedule for the 2025 prize bond draws, including those for national and premium bonds. The upcoming draws are as follows: Rs. 1,500 Prize Bond Draws: February 17, 2025 (Monday) – Multan May 15, 2025 (Thursday) – Karachi August 15, 2025 (Friday) – Faisalabad November 17, 2025 (Monday) – Rawalpindi Rs. 750 Prize Bond Draws: January 15, 2025 (Monday) – Karachi April 15, 2025 (Tuesday) – Peshawar July 15, 2025 (Tuesday) – Rawalpindi October 15, 2025 (Wednesday) – Muzaffarabad Rs. 200 Prize Bond Draws: March 17, 2025 (Monday) – Faisalabad June 16, 2025 (Monday) – Quetta September 15, 2025 (Monday) – Multan December 15, 2025 (Monday) – Lahore Rs. 100 Prize Bond Draws:
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Meat market gets a facelift
It seems that the Centre has beef with Karachi, for literally chopping its development funds on the block. Mayor Murtaza Wahab, addressing the inaugural of the renovated meat market at the city's iconic Empress Market, minced no words in criticizing the rulers in the federal capital lack of funding for the economic hub of the country considered a cash cow by all. "The meat market has been provided a clean and hygienic environment," Wahab announced, standing before rows of freshly refurbished stalls now gleaming under new lighting. On the occasion, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Municipal Commissioner Syed Afzal Zaidi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Dil Muhammad, and other notable figures were also present. The mayor noted that the market, once dead meat in terms of infrastructure, now boasts 29 modern stalls, promising improved livelihoods for those in the meat and potatoes of daily commerce. A new parking facility catering to 400 cars and 150 motorcycles, he said, would finally carve out space in the historically congested area. The mayor stated that after renovating the vacant part of Empress Market, the remaining section will also be restored and beautified, including the iconic clock, which will be fixed. Further, Wahab stated that when the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) took control of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) two years ago, it decided not to complain about lack of authority and used whatever resources it had for the city's improvement, and to resolve the citizens' problems. He noted that Frere Hall, Khaliq Dina Hall, and Denso Hall have been restored and reopened to the public, and that six more KMC markets will be renovated this year. Meanwhile, Wahab stated that Rs40 billion had been requested from the federal government for the K-IV water supply project. However, he asserted that only Rs3.5 billion have been allocated in the budget for it. Further, the mayor said that Rs100 billion had been demanded from the federal government for Karachi, but not a single rupee has been given to KMC, although the city contributes significantly to the country's revenue.
