Karachi’s Infrastructure Overhaul Seen as Key to Economic Growth

Karachi: Muhammad Ikram Rajput, the President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), has expressed optimism regarding recent commitments by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to improve Karachi’s infrastructure and transport systems. While welcoming the proposed developments, he emphasized the need for transparent and sustained implementation to truly benefit industrial growth.

Rajput highlighted the Prime Minister’s pledge for the modern reconstruction of Karachi Cantt Station and the inclusion of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework as positive initiatives. He also acknowledged the Chief Minister’s commitment to aligning KCR’s development with regional economic needs.

According to Rajput, Karachi serves as Pakistan’s economic engine, and enhancements to its transport and railway infrastructure are vital for boosting industrial productivity, exports, and logistics efficiency. A modern, integrated transport system, he noted, is crucial for the seamless movement of industrial raw materials and exportable goods.

He further stressed that for the federal and provincial governments to effectively support Karachi’s industrial economy, key corridors such as Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Malir Expressway, KCR, and railway freight routes must be prioritized. This would ensure robust logistics connectivity for industrial zones, particularly in the Korangi Industrial Area.

Rajput pointed out that Karachi’s industries could significantly contribute to national economic growth with improved infrastructure and rationalized taxation. He identified high land costs, transportation challenges, and inadequate logistics as major barriers to investment that require urgent attention.

He urged that mere announcements would not suffice and called for timely, practical decisions to provide tangible relief to industries. Rajput suggested that the Prime Minister should make frequent visits to Karachi to monitor development projects and support the city’s industrialization, which he believes would enhance exports, generate jobs, and increase tax revenue.

Rajput concluded by noting that Karachi’s industries are already contending with high energy prices and financial pressures. In this challenging environment, improvements in transport and infrastructure could help reduce production costs and increase Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global market. He reiterated KATI’s readiness to support efforts that prioritize Karachi’s industrial growth.