CM, industrialists agree to work in PPP mode for development of Karachi

CM, industrialists agree to work in PPP mode for development of Karachi

KARACHI (April 25):  Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over a meeting on financial resource mobilisation, urged the industrialists to support his government in the development of Karachi and the province, saying that the government is eager to work with industrialists through public-private partnerships.

Prominent industrialists, including MNA Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib, Zubair Motiwala, and others, attended the meeting. Representing the Sindh government were Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Special Assistant to the CM on Industries Qasim Naveed, Chairman of P&D Board Najam Shah, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, Industries Secretary Yaseen Shar, and other officials.

The Chief Minister warmly welcomed all industrial leaders and appreciated their presence.

Speaking to the participants, CM urged the industrialists to support the Sindh government in the development of Karachi and the province. He stated that the Sindh government is eager to work with industrialists through public-private partnerships.

 Aqeel Karim Dhedhi responded positively and requested the government to brief them on specific projects it intends to undertake with them. CM Murad Ali Shah instructed his Special Assistant Qasim Naveed to coordinate directly with the industrialists and engage them in detailed discussions.

The industrialists expressed interest in investing in the Shahrah-e-Bhutto and Wastewater Treatment projects. Shahrah-e-Bhutto was declared a vital road for Karachi and a potential game-changer. It was also agreed upon to carry out plantation along the Shahrah-e-Bhutto corridor.

Several new projects were also discussed during the meeting, which the industrialists committed to undertaking jointly with the Sindh government. It was decided that the new projects would be registered on the Stock Exchange to raise funds for implementation.

The meeting also saw consensus on creating a direct exit route for heavy traffic from the port to reduce congestion. In addition to Shahrah-e-Bhutto, other projects for heavy traffic management were also considered.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasised the importance of involving industrialists in enhancing the beauty and liveability of the city.