KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday unveiled a series of major infrastructure projects for Karachi, saying the initiatives would improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, and accelerate urban development across the metropolis.
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Speaking at the Chief Minister House, Shah announced that construction of the Bhains Colony Flyover would soon begin to address frequent accidents at the railway crossing in the area. He added that Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has been given a 100-day deadline to build a flyover at Azeempura, which is expected to benefit residents of Bhains Colony and the Export Processing Zone.
The chief minister said Shahrah-e-Bhutto, stretching from Qayyumabad to Kathore, would be completed within four to six weeks, while its extension toward Karachi Port would soon enter the construction phase. He also noted that the Murghi Khana Bridge project is nearing completion.
Announcing a major financial commitment, Shah revealed that development schemes worth Rs300 billion would be incorporated into the upcoming provincial budget for Karachi. He said the Sindh government had also approved between Rs8 billion and Rs13 billion for projects proposed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.
Addressing political debates over the idea of carving out Karachi as a separate province, Shah rejected the proposal, stating that such a move would require a legislative majority and was neither practical nor supported by the people of Sindh.
The chief minister also criticised what he termed federal interference in Karachi’s municipal affairs, arguing that development funds should be transferred directly to local governments rather than routed through federal entities. He called for empowering local councils financially and urged the dissolution of the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL).
Shah further accused political opponents of making exaggerated claims regarding development spending, describing certain federal allocations as misleading and constitutionally impractical.
Reaffirming his government’s stance, he said Karachi’s development would continue through provincial and local government institutions to ensure sustainable growth and improved civic infrastructure.
