Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced a Rs162 billion development package for Karachi which would include projects for water preservation and transportation among others.

The premier, who is on an official trip to Karachi, made the announcement at a meeting with the Karachi Transformation Committee, that was chaired by him.

Later, the prime minister also inaugurated Bagh Ibne Qasim, where he stressed the importance of planting trees and "saving green areas" in Karachi.

He regretted that Karachi had become a "concrete slab" and said that the government will allow high rise buildings in the city in order to prevent them from expanding and taking over land that can be used to plant trees.

The premier pointed out that Pakistan was among the top 10 countries that were most vulnerable to climate change.

"Our coming generations will never forgive us if we don't save our green areas," he said.

The premier also commended Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar for "building and preserving" the park.

The prime minister will also visit Khan Garh, Ghotki where he will address a gathering. He will be accompanied by ministers including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid, Geo News reported.

Prime Minister Khan will also hold meetings with the leadership of the Grand Democratic Alliance.

Yesterday, the prime minister had visited Quetta, where he performed the groundbreaking of the new Balochistan Health Complex. He arrived in Karachi on Friday night and was received by Sindh Governor Imran Ismail.

He had met with the leadership of government's coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) and promised to address their concerns regarding the development of Karachi. The meeting has raised hopes for a special announcement from the Islamabad for the country’s business capital.