Political Influence on the Lyari Expressway Project

Political influence on the Lyari Expressway Project:

Controversy has surrounded the Lyari Expressway Project since it first began in 2002. Its progress has been delayed since nine years due to arising conflicts between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Awami National Party (ANP).

Back in 2002, it was reported that Muttahida Qaumi Movement had rejected the project of Lyari Expressway backed by solid reasons. The party stated that the project would not resolve the problem of heavy transport also it would not help in improving the traffic system of the city. Being the most influential party of Karachi their statements caused a lot of turmoil and also affected the opinions of the dwellers of the city. They described the amendments also as a conspiracy of the land mafia to capture prime areas of the city and for earning undeserved profits under the name of so called development and prosperity.

They pointed out that 400 feet land was required in the original plan of the 17- kilometer expressway project but the authorities were acquiring 600 to 800 feet. This additional land was stated to be acquired for additional profit motives such as construction of hotels, trade centers, petrol pumps and go downs.  Also flats were meant to be constructed on this land.  The party proposed the president of that era General Pervez Musharraf to take people of Karachi into confidence and satisfy who had reservations over amendment in the project. Farooq Sattar said    “Muttahida was not against the project but wanted not to change the original plan in the interest of the city and the citizens”.

 He also pointed out that Rs 9 billion would be spent on this project while the government would repay Rs 6 billion as interest to the foreign bank, which provided loan for the project. Also, the authorities would earn Rs 30 billion after the sale of this prime land for commercial purpose. He said the authorities demolished leased houses in Pir Ilaahi Bakhsh Colony, Hasan Aulia Village, Liaquatabad and Usmanabad and these areas were established 52 years ago when Pakistan was created.

This political party spoke in interest of the people and made valid statements. Farooq Sattar added that the project would be completed within time horizon of four years and said that there was no need to take loan from foreign bank if the federal government was providing Rs 2 billion per year for this project. He said payment of compensation of Rs 50,000 and 80sq yard plot was unjust with the number of affected people. The project, in fact, is a humanitarian disaster, as it would render thousands of people homeless and jobless. The price paid to them should be equal to the market price and pointed out that market price was paid to owners in Punjab for their land acquired for Motorway, Mangla Dam and Tarbela Dam. The party also strongly suggested suitable changes in the existing plan to avoid massive dislocation of people and loss of property.