In August 2021, Shehbaz Sharif promised to revive Karachi, saying the city "only needs political will and ownership to turn things around." He proposed federal funds surpassing Sindh’s annual allocation for 15 to 20 years to fix Karachi’s problems. But four years later, the promises remain unfulfilled. Shehbaz Sharif, former Punjab chief minister and twice Pakistan’s prime minister, has seen little progress on Karachi’s infrastructure and development. Minister Ahsan Iqbal said federal spending on Karachi faces budget limits, yet listed projects like the Green Line extension and K-IV water supply under federal support. Former planning minister Asad Umar challenged this, saying funds existed but priorities shifted away from Karachi. “If a sports stadium in Narowal can get federal funds, why not Karachi’s critical projects?” Umar questioned. Karachi contributes 66% of Pakistan’s revenue but receives only Rs40-50 billion annually from the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), far below the Rs200-300 billion justified by population and revenue. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Syed Aminul Haq mentioned recent infrastructure fixes and fire brigade upgrades but also called for sustained federal commitment. Business leader Hanif Gauhar said, “The federal government’s involvement in Karachi is far less than it should be” despite Karachi’s vital economic role. City Council opposition leader Saifuddin accused the federal government of “handing over” Karachi’s woes to Sindh without serious help. He compared budget disparities, saying Lahore gets much more federal money and labeled Karachi’s share “unjust.” Inside the ruling PML-N, there is growing frustration. Former Karachi chapter leader Nasiruddin Mahmood quit in 2025, citing neglect. He noted no major PML-N leader campaigned in Karachi during 2024 elections. “Karachi’s standing continued to diminish,” he said, pointing to the party’s failure to win any Karachi seats. Despite Karachi's economic importance and Shehbaz’s initial promises, the city’s crisis deepens amid stalled projects, low federal funds, and political sidelining.