Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a development package worth PKR 9.282 billion for the urgent repair and rehabilitation of roads and related infrastructure across Karachi’s major industrial zones. The initiative aims to improve logistics, reduce operational costs for businesses and strengthen the city’s industrial ecosystem.
The decision was taken during a meeting with representatives of key industrial bodies, including the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE), Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry (BQATI), Landhi Association of Trade and Industry (LATI), North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) and the F.B. Area Association of Trade and Industry.
Under the approved plan, funding has been allocated as follows: PKR 2 billion for SITE Association of Trade and Industry, PKR 700 million for SITE Superhighway (both phases), PKR 721.74 million for North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, PKR 860.55 million for F.B. Area Association of Trade and Industry, PKR 2 billion for Landhi Association of Trade and Industry, PKR 2 billion for Korangi Association of Trade and Industry including the Pakistan Tanners Association, and PKR 1 billion for Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry.
The chief minister directed that development work should begin immediately and be completed within six months. He added that the funding would be provided through the Infrastructure Development Cess collected by the Excise and Taxation Department, a significant portion of which is generated by Karachi’s industrial areas.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Industries Jam Ikram Dharejo, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and senior representatives of various industrial associations. Industry leaders stressed that funds should be released through a grant-in-aid mechanism rather than the Annual Development Programme to ensure faster execution.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that improving infrastructure in industrial zones is essential for enhancing productivity, boosting exports, generating employment and restoring investor confidence in Karachi. Participants agreed that timely upgrades to industrial roads and facilities would significantly improve logistics and overall business activity across the city’s industrial areas.
