Unveiling grand visions, such as the Malir Expressway and strategic water supply enhancements, CM addresses KATI Annual Dinner.
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has disclosed an ambitious and substantial developmental blueprint for Karachi, setting aside a monumental PKR 200 billion for a spectrum of projects aimed at urban enhancement. The Malir Expressway, a linchpin in this strategy, is set to connect the city’s bustling port to Jinnah International Airport, alleviating the persistent traffic woes while streamlining logistics for the commercial sector. Shah also underscored efforts to mitigate Karachi’s long-standing water scarcity, outlining plans to channel 200 million gallons of water from the Hub Dam to the metropolis by June 2025. These announcements were part of his speech at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry’s (KATI) annual gala.
The gathering witnessed the attendance of business magnates, government dignitaries, and industrialists, including KATI’s Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer, President Johar Qandhari, and Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya. The event was also graced by notable 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 address, CM Shah voiced discontent over the federal government’s apparent disregard for Sindh, emphasizing the province’s inadequate share of national investment. He highlighted the disparity, noting that while motorways have been built across Pakistan, the critical Karachi-Sukkur motorway remains incomplete. Moreover, Shah expressed frustration over the stagnation of the K4 water project, a vital federal initiative, lamenting that it remains the sole large-scale federal project directed at Karachi. Additionally, he pointed out the unresolved issue of the PKR 172 billion in infrastructure cess entangled in legal disputes, which is currently pending resolution in the Supreme Court.
Despite these hurdles, Shah emphasized the provincial government’s relentless drive to uplift Karachi. He revealed that former President Asif Ali Zardari is set to visit China next month to attract further investments into Sindh, particularly Karachi, aligning with the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) urban development and economic expansion agenda.
READ: “Saeed Ghani’s Committee Aims to Revitalize Karachi’s Economic Landscape”
KATI Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer seized the platform to call for immediate and decisive actions to stabilize Pakistan’s fragile economy. He acknowledged the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan as a short-term reprieve, warning that it remains a debt that must be repaid. Tanveer urged for reforms within the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) framework, expressing optimism that a government task force would deliver a solution within a month. He commended the Sindh government for its initiatives, particularly in the healthcare sector, noting that Sindh’s medical facilities now attract international patients. He also paid homage to his late father, SM Munir, a prominent business figure whose legacy continues to inspire KATI’s leadership.
KATI President Johar Qandhari drew attention to the daunting challenges faced by Karachi’s industrialists, citing exorbitant electricity prices and acute water shortages. He remarked that businesses in Karachi pay PKR 5 more per unit of electricity compared to other regions and are forced to invest millions to secure water for their operations. While acknowledging the Sindh government’s investments in health, education, and infrastructure, Qandhari lamented that these efforts have not been sufficiently promoted. He cited the PKR 1 billion allocated to KITE Limited, a public-private partnership transforming Korangi Industrial Area’s infrastructure, as a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering growth.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya reinforced the pivotal role Karachi plays in Pakistan’s economic fabric, stressing that the city must be prioritized to enable the country to overcome its economic crises. He urged the government to focus on lowering production costs for exporters to boost national revenue, arguing that Pakistan’s fiscal health cannot improve without addressing the challenges facing taxpayers and the business community.
KITE Limited CEO Zahid Saeed highlighted that Karachi contributes a staggering 56% of Pakistan’s exports and 70% of Sindh’s revenue, underscoring the critical importance of public-private collaborations in the city’s continued development. He lauded the Sindh government’s efforts, particularly in Korangi, where PKR 1.35 billion has been funneled into infrastructure upgrades, further solidifying Karachi’s status as a national economic powerhouse.