President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Muhammad Ikram Rajput, has welcomed the Sindh government’s approval of Rs9.282 billion for the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure in Karachi’s industrial areas, including Rs2 billion specifically allocated for the Korangi Industrial Zone.
He expressed gratitude to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah for fulfilling a long-standing demand of the industrial community, stating that the decision reinforces the Pakistan Peoples Party’s vision of industrialization under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He also commended the Sindh Cabinet for what he termed a historic and timely initiative.
President KATI noted that similar funds had been utilized effectively in the past, a fact acknowledged by all relevant stakeholders. However, due to prolonged neglect and increasing industrial pressure, infrastructure in major industrial zones had deteriorated significantly, adversely affecting industrial activity. He said the restoration of funds would now accelerate development works, leading to the revival of industrial operations.
Ikram Rajput recalled that in the past, funds released by the Sindh government for KATI and other industrial zones were utilized transparently. He pointed out that organizations such as KITE Limited, along with other industrial entities, completed projects at low cost while meeting international standards.
He emphasized that the initiative would not only promote industrial activity but also yield positive outcomes for exports, employment, and overall economic stability. He added that Karachi is Pakistan’s economic hub, and deteriorating infrastructure in key industrial areas, particularly Korangi, Landhi, and SITE, had been causing significant financial losses to the country.
According to him, the special infrastructure package would lead to improvements across all industrial zones in Karachi, including Korangi, restoring stalled activities and contributing to economic recovery. He maintained that the Sindh government’s decision would benefit not only Karachi but the entire country.
President KATI expressed hope that the Sindh government would ensure the prompt release of funds, adding that the decision reflects the government’s awareness of the challenges faced by industry and trade and its seriousness in addressing them.
He further stressed that promoting the public–private partnership (PPP) model is the need of the hour. He said that collaboration between the government and the private sector enhances transparency, accelerates project execution, and ensures efficient use of resources. Past projects completed under PPP arrangements, he added, had delivered positive results and restored the confidence of industrialists.
Ikram Rajput expressed optimism that the Sindh government would continue to pursue industry-friendly policies and further strengthen Karachi’s industrial infrastructure through public–private partnerships, thereby placing Pakistan’s economy on a sustainable growth trajectory.
