Experts recommend new master plan for Karachi.

KARACHI -- Eminent architects and town planners have recommended making a new and independent master plan of Karachi in order to turn it into a beautiful metropolis with developed infrastructure which not only could compete with other metropolitan cities, but could also meet its future requirements.

They also highlighted the need for an efficient public transport system, including revival of Karachi Circular Railway, to facilitate not only public travelling, but also to help visitors to the city.

These recommendations were made in a conference held here on Thursday on the subject of 'Transforming Karachi'.

The conference, presided over by provincial Chief Secretary Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah, was addressed by noted architects and town planners.

Besides Yasmin Lari, Shah Bano, Tasneem Siddiqui, Asad A. Khan, Fazal Noor, Hameer Soomro, Shahid Abdullah, Prof Anila Naeem, Prof Dr Mir Shabbar Ali, Dr Nasir, Dr Noman Ahmad, others who participated in the discussion were Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini, Commissioner of Karachi Iftikhar Shallwani and director general of Urban Policy and Strategic Planning of Sindh Faisal Naqvi.

The technocrats, referring to the drive of removal of encroachments and unauthorised buildings, called for developing and implementing a feasible plan not only for restoration of old glory of Karachi, but also to take care of rehabilitation of the affected families.

They highlighted the need for taking effective steps for promotion of cultural heritage of the city.

Other recommendations regarding land-use conversion, restoration of public parks, playgrounds and other public amenities, were also made.

The...