Speaking to Aaj News, Wahab said the slow pace in certain areas was due to rain forecasts, but assured that work was progressing rapidly.

“Under KMC’s jurisdiction, levelling and carpeting are underway on 106 roads, which will be completed once the rains subside,” he added.

In a pointed remark, Wahab dismissed suggestions from MQM leader Farooq Sattar, saying, “He talks about giving advice, but what advice should I take from him? Is he an engineer? Is he a federal minister?”

The mayor criticised the federal government’s lack of support for Karachi’s development projects, adding: “The Governor had promised Rs100 billion, but I am still waiting for it.”

On the Red Line project, Wahab admitted there were technical hurdles that could delay completion by another two years, but acknowledged public criticism as “justified.”

He assured that efforts were being made to clear related roads by the end of January.

To tackle urban flooding, Wahab said four rain emergency centres had been established in the city, while three out of four rain-harvesting tanks — with a collective capacity of 350,000 gallons — were now fully operational.