CM Murad Ali Shah unveils Rs200bn development plan for Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced an extensive development plan for Karachi, allocating over Rs200 billion for various projects. The Malir Expressway, which will connect the city’s port to Jinnah International Airport, aims to ease traffic congestion and improve logistics for businesses.

Murad Ali Shah also shared plans to address the city’s chronic water shortage by bringing 200 million gallons of water from Hub Dam to Karachi by June 2025. These announcements were made during his address at the annual dinner of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).

The event, attended by business leaders, government officials and industrialists -- including KATI Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer; KATI President Johar Qandhari; and KATI Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya -- also featured key political figures such as Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikram Dharejo; Local Bodies Minister Saeed Ghani; and Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho.

During his speech, CM Sindh expressed concern over the federal government’s neglect of Sindh, pointing out that the province had not received adequate investment compared to others. He noted that while motorways have been constructed across Pakistan, the motorway connecting Karachi to Sukkur remains unfinished.

Murad Ali Shah also raised concerns about the K4 water project, lamenting that despite its importance, it is the only major federal project allocated to Karachi. Additionally, Rs172 billion due for infrastructure cess remains tied up in legal disputes, with the matter now pending in the Supreme Court.

Despite these challenges, the Sindh government, according to the chief minister, has been working towards improving the city. He revealed that President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to visit China next month to secure further investments for Sindh, particularly for Karachi, as part of the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) focus on urban development and economic growth.

SM Tanveer used the occasion to stress the importance of taking immediate steps to stabilize the economy. He referred to the recent loan from the IMF as a temporary relief but noted that it is also a debt that the nation must repay. Tanveer called for reforming the independent power producers (IPPs) system and expressed hope that a government task force would provide a solution within a month.

He praised the Sindh government’s initiatives, particularly in healthcare, noting that people are now coming to Sindh from abroad for medical treatment. Tanveer also paid tribute to his late father SM Munir, a business leader whose legacy continues to guide KATI.

Johar Qandhari highlighted the challenges faced by Karachi’s industrialists, including rising electricity costs and water shortages. He noted that businesses in the city are paying an additional Rs5 per unit for electricity compared to other regions and that industries are spending millions to secure water for their operations. While praising the Sindh government’s investments in health, education and infrastructure, Qandhari pointed out that these efforts have not been adequately publicized.

He cited the Rs1 billion fund provided to KITE Limited, a public-private partnership transforming the Korangi Industrial Area’s infrastructure, as a key example of the government’s commitment to development.

Zubair Chhaya talked about the critical role Karachi plays in Pakistan’s economy and stressed that the city must be prioritized if the country is to overcome its current economic challenges. He urged the government to focus on reducing production costs for exporters to increase national exports, arguing that Pakistan’s revenue cannot grow unless issues affecting taxpayers and businesses are addressed.

KITE Limited CEO Zahid Saeed added that Karachi contributes 56 per cent of the country’s exports and 70 per cent of Sindh’s revenue, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in the city’s development. He praised the Sindh government’s efforts, particularly in Korangi, where Rs1.35 billion has been invested in infrastructure improvements.