Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Friday officially commenced the Cove Beach Resort at Hawk’s Bay—it is the city’s first beach resort created under a Public-Private Partnership model. This is the best step to transform the coastal identity of Karachi. This landmark project is being celebrated as a milestone in Karachi’s journey toward modernization and improved urban living.
Completed in just six months, the resort is now open to the public and continues to assure a premium beachside experience, previously only available to Karachiites via expensive international travel.
“Now Karachiites don’t have to fly abroad for a world-class beach experience. They have it right here in their city,” said by the Wahab during the inauguration ceremony.
Features and Vision
• It is developed via a PPP model to ensure efficiency and sustainability
• Offers modern amenities, clean surroundings, and safe recreational zones
• Strongly intended to enhance local tourism and create new livelihood opportunities
• Focused on inclusive access for families and all social classes
Mayor Wahab also declared some of the major plans for a second beach resort, potentially in Ibrahim Hyderi or Malir, to further expand access to safe and well-maintained public recreational spaces.
Read more: Balochistan declares Hinglaj Mata Temple a global tourist destination
Broader Development Agenda
The beach resort is just one part of Mayor Wahab’s broader city improvement agenda. Other key urban initiatives include:
• Cleaning of 46 major stormwater drains to prevent monsoon flooding
• Beautification of II Chundrigar Road, which is the main financial hub of Karachi
• Restoration of historic landmarks like Denso Hall, Empress Market, and Frere Hall
• Development of a mangrove conservation park to promote environmental awareness and urban biodiversity
Impacts and Public Response
Positive Impacts:
• Improves local tourism and economy
• Encourages environmentally sustainable recreation
• Provides safe, clean leisure options for families
• Strengthens Karachi’s urban image nationally and globally
Challenges and cons associated with it:
• Maintenance and long-term sustainability of public-private ventures
• Guaranteeing affordable accessibility to all social segments
• Need for consistent law enforcement against illegal encroachments
The Mayor has also raised some of the major concerns to federal authorities about Karachi’s exclusion from Export Development Funds (EDF). He formally requested fair financial support, citing Karachi’s important role in Pakistan’s economy.
This blend of recreational development and governance reform is depicting a broader effort to restore Karachi’s status as
- A livable
- Vibrant
- Dignified metropolis.