Karachi: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has formally written to the Federal Minister for Commerce and Chairman of the Export Development Fund (EDF) Board, Jam Kamal Khan, expressing deep concern over the continued neglect of Karachi in the allocation and utilization of Export Development Funds. The Mayor has urged the federal government to ensure that Karachi receives its rightful share of support and funding, commensurate with its critical role in Pakistan’s economy.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Mayor Wahab highlighted that Karachi contributes approximately 55% of Pakistan’s total exports, making it the economic heartbeat of the country. Despite this overwhelming contribution, Karachi has seen little to no benefit from the Export Development Fund, which was originally established to strengthen and promote export infrastructure across the country.
Mayor Wahab noted in his letter that it is unfortunate there has been no significant contribution made by the Export Development Fund to catalyze Karachi’s export sector. He remarked that unjust allocation and utilization of funds adds to the belief that Karachi is ignored by the Federal Government.
He further emphasized that Karachi, being Pakistan’s largest city and economic capital, continues to expand rapidly in terms of population and industrial output. This growth demands increased investment in infrastructure, logistics, and export-related facilities. He stressed that development funds must reflect the city’s actual contribution and needs.
Mayor Wahab called upon the EDF Board to provide details of how the fund has been allocated across Pakistan over the last 10 years and requested transparency on any planned projects in Karachi.
In his concluding remarks, Mayor Wahab stated, ‘There will be no economic stability without Karachi’s inclusion. Ignoring its rightful share is not only unfair but also counterproductive to national growth.’
He expressed confidence in Minister Jam Kamal’s leadership and urged for corrective measures that would ensure Karachi is no longer sidelined in federal initiatives intended for export promotion.