By In a major boost for Karachi’s industrial sector, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved Rs. 9.282 billion for urgent road repairs and infrastructure improvements across the city’s key industrial areas. The initiative aims to address long-standing infrastructure issues that have hampered logistics, increased operational costs, and disrupted smooth business operations.
The approval was granted during a high-level meeting with representatives of leading industrial associations, where officials reviewed existing challenges and finalized a comprehensive development plan focused on restoring basic infrastructure in industrial zones.
Funds Allocated to Major Industrial Associations
Under the approved package, the funds will be distributed among several industrial bodies based on need and road conditions:
- Rs. 2 billion for the SITE Association of Trade and Industry
- Rs. 700 million for both phases of the SITE Superhighway
- Rs. 721.74 million for the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry
- Rs. 860.55 million for the F.B. Area Association of Trade and Industry
- Rs. 2 billion for the Landhi Association of Trade and Industry
- Rs. 2 billion for the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, including the Pakistan Tanners Association
- Rs. 1 billion for the Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry
These allocations are intended to ensure immediate repair and rehabilitation of severely damaged roads used daily by heavy commercial traffic.
Focus on Immediate Repairs and Maintenance
Officials briefed participants on the first phase of the project, which prioritizes urgent road repairs, drainage improvements, and maintenance work to prevent further deterioration. The Karachi commissioner led consultations to ensure that funding decisions were fair, transparent, and need-based for each industrial zone.
Funding Through Infrastructure Development Cess
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that the project will be financed through the Infrastructure Development Cess collected by the Excise and Taxation Department. This approach allows the government to utilize existing revenue streams without burdening the provincial development budget.
Industrial representatives urged the government to release funds through a grant-in-aid mechanism instead of routing them through the Annual Development Programme (ADP), arguing that this would significantly speed up implementation and avoid procedural delays.
Boost for Business and Economic Activity
The initiative is expected to improve road conditions, reduce transport delays, and streamline logistics, directly benefiting exporters, manufacturers, and transporters. Improved infrastructure in Karachi’s industrial areas is also likely to enhance investor confidence and support broader economic growth.
With industrial zones playing a critical role in Pakistan’s economy, the approved funding marks an important step toward resolving infrastructure bottlenecks and supporting sustainable business operations in the province.
