Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has pressed the Sindh government to fast-track Karachi’s infrastructure projects, emphasizing the city’s role as Pakistan’s economic powerhouse. Speaking to reporters after discussions with the Pakistan Business Council, Iqbal spotlighted the K-IV water supply project, critical for addressing Karachi’s chronic water shortages. He noted that the federal government has allocated Rs125 billion for K-IV and urged the provincial authorities to expedite downstream components to ensure timely completion.
“Karachi is Pakistan’s economic lifeline,” Iqbal said, underscoring the need for robust infrastructure to sustain its growth. He highlighted federal investments, including Rs5 billion for road upgrades in the SITE industrial area and the completed Green Line BRT project, backed by Rs25 billion. Iqbal assured continued federal support but stressed that provincial cooperation is vital for transformative progress.
The minister also advocated for stronger public-private partnerships, describing the corporate sector as the backbone of economic revival. With public sector investment constrained by economic challenges, he called for private enterprises to drive growth. Iqbal praised corporate initiatives promoting inclusivity, particularly for women and persons with disabilities, and encouraged further efforts. He announced the formation of a dedicated Planning Ministry task force to address private sector hurdles swiftly.
On environmental fronts, Iqbal pushed for wastewater recycling in Karachi, proposing its use in agriculture and industry to ease water scarcity sustainably. He also shared updates on regional connectivity, confirming that construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway will commence in 2025, with completion targeted within three years. Feasibility studies for a new Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway alignment are also underway.
Iqbal concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to leveraging corporate expertise and research from bodies like the Pakistan Business Council to craft effective economic policies, ensuring Karachi’s infrastructure aligns with its economic significance.
