CM asks department to prepare PPP model for transformation of Keti Bandar into economic hub
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday directed the Investment Department to prepare a comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the development of Keti Bandar, in accordance with the vision of former prime minister Shaheed Mohterma Benazir Bhutto. Presiding over a meeting of the Investment Department at the CM House, the Chief Minister said that Keti Bandar must be transformed into a large-scale maritime and economic development project centred on a modern deep-sea port and an integrated economic corridor.
“I want a comprehensive and bankable PPP model proposal for Keti Bandar. The project must be developed in line with the vision outlined in the provincial budget and should position Sindh as a leading maritime, logistics, industrial and energy hub of the region,” the Chief Minister said.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Qasim Naveed, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Agha Wasif, Chairman Planning and Development Board Najam Shah, Secretary Investment Raja Khurram, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, Secretary Finance Asghar Memon and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister directed the relevant departments to undertake detailed planning and present a phased development strategy covering port infrastructure, industrial development, logistics, fisheries, energy facilities and tourism-related investments.
Murad Shah said the proposed Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, employment generation and foreign investment while unlocking the development potential of Sindh’s coastal belt and the Indus Delta region.
The proposed development plan envisages Keti Bandar as a world-class maritime, logistics, industrial and energy hub under a PPP framework. The major components include a deep-sea port, logistics and warehousing facilities, industrial zones, energy infrastructure, fisheries and seafood processing facilities, tourism projects and export-oriented economic activities.
The Chief Minister noted that the Keti Bandar Maritime, Fisheries and Petroleum Economic Corridor, announced in the Sindh Budget 2026-27, has the potential to attract investments ranging from USD 1 billion to USD 2.5 billion. The corridor would comprise a modern fishing harbour, seafood export processing facilities, petroleum handling terminals, logistics infrastructure and industrial support zones.
He further directed officials to incorporate plans for developing Keti Bandar as a future energy gateway. The proposal includes establishing LNG/RLNG and LPG import facilities, along with other strategic energy infrastructure. A feasibility study has already identified approximately 4,000 acres for the proposed development. Murad Shah also called for detailed planning of supporting infrastructure, including road, rail and maritime connectivity, with particular emphasis on linking Keti Bandar with industrial and energy projects in the province.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the project would be implemented in phases. The first phase would focus on establishing mini fish harbours at Keti Bandar and Shah Bandar, equipped with modern auction halls, cold storage facilities, docking infrastructure and related fisheries services. The second phase would involve developing a full-fledged commercial deep-sea port.