Karachi: The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, chaired a high-level meeting on the development and rehabilitation of infrastructure in Karachi’s industrial zones, approving a total funding of PKR 9.28 billion. The meeting saw participation from key industrial associations including KATI, SITE, BQATI, LATI/LITE, and other prominent organizations.
Top Officials and Industry Representatives Attend
The meeting was attended by Minister for Industry Jam Ikram Dharejo, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Agha Wasif, Karachi Commissioner Hasan Naqvi, Additional Secretaries for Industry Tariq Qureshi and Zubair Motiwala, Chairman KITE Zahid Saeed, and presidents of major industrial associations.
Funding Allocation for Industrial Zones
The Chief Minister approved the immediate allocation of funds for road and basic infrastructure repairs in industrial areas. The distribution, in consultation with the Mayor and Commissioner of Karachi, has been made based on need and fairness:
SITE: PKR 2 billion
Korangi: PKR 2 billion
Landhi: PKR 2 billion
North Karachi, FB Area, SITE Super Highway, and Bin Qasim: Remaining funds allocated with specific approvals:
SITE Super Highway (Phase 1 & 2): PKR 700 million
North Karachi & FB Area Associations: PKR 860.55 million
Bin Qasim Association: PKR 1 billion
The project will be fully financed through the Infrastructure Development Cess, and industrialists have been urged to ensure the release of funds through a Grant-in-Aid mechanism. The Chief Minister also instructed the Cabinet Finance Committee to finalize PC-1 approvals.
Emphasis on Transparency and Economic Impact
To ensure transparent implementation, the Chief Minister directed the establishment of an oversight committee. He emphasized that industrial development is crucial for employment generation, exports, and overall economic growth. Rehabilitation of industrial infrastructure is expected to reduce business costs and attract further investment, reinforcing Karachi’s status as an industrial hub.