Sindh CM Approves Karachi Transformation Plan in Partnership with FWO

PAKISTAN – Karachi Transformation Program

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a comprehensive Karachi Transformation Plan aimed at delivering world-class development in the port city through a strategic partnership with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO).

The approval was granted during a joint meeting of the FWO, the Local Government Department, and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) held at the CM House in Karachi. The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Principal Secretary to the 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.

At the outset, the chief minister announced a one-time grant-in-aid of Rs84.796 billion for 523 development schemes in Karachi, adding that Rs26.282 billion has also been approved under the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for Karachi-related projects.

“I want to initiate development projects in partnership with FWO to ensure quality, speed, and transparency,” CM Murad said, stressing that all mega and major projects must meet international planning and design standards. “Karachi’s development should be on par with the world’s best cities,” he added.

The chief minister informed the meeting that six priority infrastructure projects worth Rs10.72 billion have been identified for immediate execution to address traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and enhance urban mobility. These include rehabilitation of the road from M-9 to Malir-15 via Jinnah Avenue and Shahrah-e-Faisal at a cost of Rs1.025 billion; construction of a right-turn underpass at Malir Halt costing Rs1.5 billion; and construction of a flyover from Airport Road to Star Gate, Shahrah-e-Faisal, at a cost of Rs1.2 billion.

Other projects include rehabilitation of the road from Y-Junction to Machli Chowk in Hawksbay, including damaged sections from Masroor Base to the Truck Stand, costing Rs1.995 billion, and construction of a flyover at Sohrab Goth for Rs5 billion to improve intercity traffic flow.

Briefing the meeting, Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said Karachi, as Pakistan’s economic hub, faces serious structural, environmental, and civic challenges. To address these issues, 10 to 12 high-visibility development schemes are being identified, five of which have already been approved by the chief minister for early implementation.

They added that the proposed portfolio of 523 schemes includes rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged internal roads, traffic management improvements, upgrading of major arteries and flyovers, development of parks, and beautification of seven major roads. The main executing agencies will be KMC, KDA, Karachi Mega Schemes, and city government departments.

The chief minister directed that FWO engineers, in coordination with local government and KMC officials, finalize designs and identify utility shifting requirements by the end of February so that construction work can begin in March. He reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to transforming Karachi through sustainable, well-planned, and efficiently executed development initiatives.

Keamari Road Project Launched

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab laid the foundation stone of the Suparco Road rehabilitation project in Keamari district. Describing it as a major step toward improved urban infrastructure, the mayor said modern and sustainable development is essential for Karachi’s growth.

The project is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs56 million and includes installation of 48,000 square feet of paver blocks and 65,000 square feet of asphalt wearing course. The mayor said the project would significantly improve traffic flow and provide better facilities to residents, reaffirming that KMC will continue public welfare projects without discrimination. – ER News Desk

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