Karachi- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has taken a sharp jibe at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying the premier has failed to deliver on his promise of swift action in Karachi, contrasting it with his reputation for rapid development in Lahore.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new Hub Canal on Wednesday, Bilawal remarked:
“We expected Shehbaz speed, but what Karachi got was Shehbaz slow. It cannot be that Lahore gets Shehbaz speed and Karachi gets Shehbaz slow.”
The PPP chairman urged the prime minister to honour his commitments to the metropolis, stressing that Karachi’s long-standing water crisis must be addressed without delay.
Political Context
Bilawal’s comments come as his party remains a central ally of the PML-N-led coalition government. The alliance has strengthened following the Supreme Court’s ruling on reserved seats, giving the PML-N a simple majority in the National Assembly. Both Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Adviser Rana Sanaullah have confirmed that the PPP will remain a key partner in government.
Hub Canal Inauguration
At the event, Bilawal announced that the new Hub Canal will provide an additional 100 million gallons per day (mgd) of water to Karachi, particularly benefitting the Central, East, and Keamari districts.
He revealed that a PC-I plan has been prepared to supply more water to Lyari, while repair work on the old Hub Canal is already underway. He reiterated the PPP’s commitment to securing a larger water quota for Karachi.
Local Governance and Development
Highlighting progress in local government, Bilawal noted that for the first time in history, Karachi and Hyderabad’s municipal systems are serving the people rather than spreading division.
“Our mayors in Karachi and Hyderabad are working with the provincial government to focus on development, not extremism,” he said, adding that this cooperation is bringing tangible benefits to residents.
The PPP chairman also praised Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s initiative to establish a desalination plant, converting seawater into drinkable water for the city.
Public Sentiment
Bilawal emphasised that the people of Karachi and Hyderabad have rejected divisive politics in both local and general elections, instead choosing leadership focused on service and development.
