Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum, known for his bold and socially conscious lyrics, has sparked a heated online debate by publicly criticizing Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah’s recent statement labeling the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Expressway (Shahrah-e-Bhutto) as a “gift” from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government to the people of Karachi.
The Tum Tum artist’s fiery response, shared via social media, has resonated with fans and critics alike, highlighting the ongoing tensions between citizens and the government over infrastructure and governance.
During the inauguration of the second phase of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, CM Murad Ali Shah described the 38.66-kilometer expressway, which connects DHA and Korangi to the M-9 Motorway, as a transformative project that would boost transportation, economic growth, and industrial connectivity in Karachi.
Calling it a “significant gift” from the PPP, Shah emphasized its role as Sindh’s largest public-private partnership initiative. However, Talha Anjum swiftly countered this narrative, asserting that providing infrastructure is not a favor but a fundamental responsibility of the government.
“It’s not a gift, it’s your job,” Talha wrote in a post which quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of likes and retweets. The rapper, a prominent voice in Pakistan’s hip-hop scene, went further, accusing the PPP of over 15 years of poor governance in Sindh. “You can’t call basic infrastructure a gift when it’s what taxpayers deserve. Karachi’s roads, sewerage, and traffic are a mess—do your duty, don’t ask for applause,” he added, reflecting the frustration of many Karachiites over the city’s crumbling infrastructure.
This isn’t the first time Talhah has used his platform to address social issues. Known for tracks like Kaun Talha and Downers at Dusk, he has consistently tackled themes of inequality, systemic failures, and resilience in his music. His latest call-out aligns with his reputation as an artist unafraid to challenge authority, earning him both admiration and controversy.
