CM Murad announces Rs95bn development package for Karachi

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over a joint meeting of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), the local government department, and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), approved a Karachi Transformation plan aimed at forging a partnership with the FWO to achieve world-class development in the port city.

The meeting, held at the CM House, Karachi, was attended by Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, and Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi. The FWO delegation was led by its Director General (Major-General) Abdul Sami.

The chief minister discussed large-scale development initiatives for Karachi, including mega infrastructure and connectivity projects, the CM House said in a statement.

At the outset, the chief minister stated that the Sindh government intends to implement a comprehensive development plan for Karachi and announced a one-time grant-in-aid of Rs84.796 billion for 523 schemes in the metropolis. He added that approval has been granted for Rs26.282 billion under the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for schemes related to Karachi.

READ MORE: Karachi: industrialists greet infrastructure uplift package

“I want to initiate development projects in partnership with FWO to ensure quality, speed and transparency,” CM Murad said, emphasising that all mega and significant projects must have world-class planning and design. “Karachi’s development should be at par with the world’s best cities,” he added.

The chief minister further informed the meeting that six priority infrastructure projects worth Rs10.72 billion have been identified for immediate execution under the Karachi division to address chronic traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and strengthen urban mobility.

These priority schemes include the rehabilitation of the road from M-9 to Malir-15 via Jinnah Avenue and Shahrah-e-Faisal for Rs1.025 billion, as well as the construction of a right-turn underpass at Malir Halt from Printing Press to Shahrah-e-Faisal for Rs1.5 billion, and the construction of a flyover from Airport Road to Star Gate, Shahrah-e-Faisal, costing Rs1.2 billion to enhance airport access.

Other projects include the rehabilitation of the road from Y-Junction to Machli Chowk in Hawksbay, including damaged sections from Masroor Base to Truck Stand for Rs1.995 billion, and the construction of a flyover at Sohrab Goth for Rs5.0 billion, which serves as Karachi’s main gateway for intercity traffic.

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Briefing the meeting, Minister Nasir and Mayor Murtaza stated that Karachi, as Pakistan’s economic hub, faces serious structural, environmental and civic challenges. To tackle these issues, 10-12 high-visibility development schemes are being identified, with five already approved by the chief minister for early implementation.

Furthermore, a comprehensive portfolio of 523 development schemes costing Rs84.796 billion has been proposed for Karachi. These include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of internally damaged roads across various neighbourhoods, improvements to traffic management systems, rehabilitation of connecting roads, major arteries, flyovers, parks, and the beautification of seven designated roads. The main executing agencies include KMC, KDA, Karachi Mega Schemes, and the city government offices.

The Karachi mayor stated that these schemes have been identified through field verification, departmental assessments, and stakeholder consultations, with the aims of easing traffic congestion, enhancing airport and intercity connectivity, strengthening logistics and industrial transport routes, and improving civic infrastructure and urban aesthetics.

The chief minister decided that the FWO engineer, along with officers from the local government and KMC, will collaborate to prepare and finalise the design and identify utilities that need to be shifted by the end of February, so that work can commence in March.

READ MORE: CM approves Rs9.282bn for development of Karachi’s industrial areas

CM Murad reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to transforming Karachi through sustainable, well-designed, and efficiently executed development projects, instructing concerned departments to proceed swiftly in coordination with FWO and other stakeholders.

Construction of Keamari road begins

Meanwhile, Mayor Murtaza has laid the foundation stone for the Suparco Road project in Keamari district.

The mayor described the Suparco Road rehabilitation project as a significant milestone in urban development, stating that modern and sustainable infrastructure is indispensable for the city’s growth. He emphasised that the KMC will continue public welfare projects without any discrimination.

The project in Keamari is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs56 million. The construction includes 48,000 square feet of paver blocks and 65,000 square feet of asphalt wearing course. The mayor noted that the road project will significantly improve traffic flow and provide better facilities to citizens.