KARACHI – Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has taken a sharp swipe at Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, stating that if the JI leader had any “green signal” from the powers that be, he wouldn’t be facing FIRs today. Speaking at the inauguration of the KW&SC Unified App at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation headquarters, Wahab criticized JI’s political style, suggesting they are still living in the past and fail to realize that their old tactics no longer work in the current political landscape.
Regarding legal actions and public order, Wahab remarked that the registration of an FIR against Hafiz Naeem proves he lacks the “establishment’s nod” he is often accused of seeking. He clarified that while the government would consider requests for protests, he will not allow the blocking of main roads, suggesting JI hold their rallies at Mazar-e-Quaid instead. In a more personal jab, the Mayor stated that becoming Mayor was in his own destiny rather than Hafiz Naeem’s, noting that any no-confidence motion should have been brought forward back in June 2023.
The Mayor also touched upon his administrative role and the federal government’s priorities. He quipped about his professional demeanor, calling himself the “biggest Babu” who knows when to roll up his sleeves for work. He further criticized the JI chief’s “self-centered” politics and took a dig at the PML-N for allocating development funds to MQM-P while neglecting their own UC chairmen. Concluding his talk, he reminded the Prime Minister of his duty to fulfill public promises, asserting that the federal head is the PM for everyone.
