CM Murad Ali Shah inaugurates restored Empress Market, reaffirms commitment to Karachi’s heritage, development

Historic landmark transformed with modern civic facilities; CM praises KMC’s restoration efforts, addresses water shortages, federal cooperation, and political speculation
KARACHI (June 12): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the restoration and beautification of Karachi’s historic Empress Market, describing the project as a significant step towards preserving the city’s cultural heritage while providing modern public amenities for citizens, traders, and visitors.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Deputy Mayor Salman Murad, MPAs Sadia Jawed, Special Assistant Usman Hingoro, Project Director Empress Market Tariq Mughal, senior officials, traders, and a large number of citizens. Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister was received by Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab.
During the ceremony, a documentary showcasing the condition of the market before restoration and the extensive rehabilitation work carried out by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was screened, which the Chief Minister watched and appreciated.
When the chief minister began speaking, the historic clock of Empress Market struck 10 times to mark 10 o’clock. In a lighter vein, the CM remarked that although it was 10 o’clock, 12 hours had appeared on the faces of some people.
Murad Shah said that, unfortunately, a particular party took over the KMC and started penalising the people of the city by harassing them. “People were killed every day, but when the PPP came into power, the entire city heaved a sigh of relief. Peace was restored, and development works were initiated,” he said. He added that he would not speak against them further because they become discontent easily, and nowadays they have even started turning their discontent against each other as well.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Empress Market is one of Karachi’s most iconic historical landmarks and an integral part of the city’s identity. He said the Sindh government remains committed to preserving historical heritage while improving urban infrastructure and public services.
“Empress Market is a symbol of Karachi’s history and culture. Its restoration and beautification have been among our priorities because preserving heritage is a responsibility we owe to future generations,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the restoration project, completed by KMC, has transformed the nearly five-acre Empress Market complex into a modern and organised civic space while maintaining its historical character.
The project included renovation of the podium area, landscaping, installation of decorative garden lighting, repair and beautification of internal structures, and the creation of a 5,000-square-foot public park.
Modern facilities have also been introduced, including parking space for 250 vehicles and 500 motorcycles, 36 double-decker grocery shops, 29 modern meat stalls, six fruit and vegetable stalls, separate public washrooms for men and women, and dedicated facilities for persons with disabilities.
Murad Ali Shah said the restoration would not only improve facilities for shoppers and traders but also enhance the commercial and tourism appeal of Saddar and surrounding areas. He added that Karachi’s historic buildings and public spaces are an important component of the city’s development vision.
The Chief Minister praised Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab and the KMC team for their efforts in completing the restoration project and said the Sindh government and local government institutions would continue working together to make Karachi cleaner, more organised, and more attractive.
Murad Shah emphasised that Karachi, as Pakistan’s economic hub, remains a top priority for the Sindh government, adding that efforts to remove encroachments, improve public spaces, and restore heritage sites would continue.
Q & A: During his speech, the Chief Minister also touched on broader political and governance issues. He said the Pakistan Peoples Party has always remained committed to public welfare and service, adding that concern for the well-being of citizens distinguishes the party from others.
Referring to recent national developments, he said that after the conflict with India in May, there was a need to strengthen defence-related facilities and all provincial governments had cooperated with the federal government in the national interest. He stressed that such cooperation should not be politicised, as it strengthens rather than weakens the country.
The Chief Minister said that difficult fiscal decisions had been taken in the larger national interest, including a reduction in development expenditures, which would inevitably have an impact on ongoing projects. He added that the Sindh government had also reduced non-development expenditures and was striving to cut them further.
On water-related issues, Murad Ali Shah expressed concern over water shortages and said he had formally written to the Prime Minister and raised the matter during meetings with the federal government, including the National Economic Council. He noted that work on IRSA’s telemetry system was underway and expressed hope that it would improve transparency in water distribution.
Responding to political speculation regarding his position, the Chief Minister remarked that discussions about his removal had been circulating for nearly a decade but had not materialised. He said he would continue serving as Chief Minister as long as he enjoyed the confidence of his party leadership and the will of Almighty Allah.
He also dismissed rumours about potential successors, stating that the names taken by the journalists in his question, including Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Owais Qadir Shah, were dedicated party workers and that no one within the party was seeking to replace him.
The Chief Minister further said that the Pakistan Peoples Party had emerged as the largest political force in Gilgit-Baltistan and reiterated that public service remained embedded in the party’s political philosophy.
In response to a question regarding the BRT Yellow Line issue, the chief minister said that the Anti-Corruption Establishment has registered an FIR and is taking serious action against the officers involved in the misappropriation.
Concluding his address, Murad Ali Shah announced that the Sindh government would consider establishing a memorial near Empress Market to commemorate those who lost their lives during the colonial era. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring more historical and public sites across Karachi and Sindh in the years ahead.
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab said the restoration of Empress Market had been completed under the guidance of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He described the project as part of a broader initiative to revive Karachi’s historic landmarks, including Denso Hall, Khaliq Dina Hall, and Lea Market.
“Today is a proud day because we have restored a century-old heritage building and returned it to the people of Karachi,” he said, adding that the city’s development and beautification projects would continue under the PPP’s vision.