The government of Sindh is seeking sustainable development initiatives under the Karachi Transformation Project to revamp the city’s infrastructure, curb pollution, and attract foreign investment.
In a recent meeting with Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that the provincial government under the Karachi Transformation Project improving the infrastructure to make the city livable.
The meeting also included the Director General for South Asia in Ottawa, Canada, Marie Louise Hannan, and Daniel Arsenault, the Political, Economic, and Commercial Counsellor at the Canadian Embassy.
CM Sindh emphasized the provincial government’s efforts to establish special economic zones and enhance industrial areas through partnerships with the World Bank and public-private initiatives.
During the meeting, Canadian High Commissioner – Leslie Scanlon Scanlon remarked that Karachi is a beautiful megalopolis with abundant investment opportunities, noting that Canadian food chains currently operating in Islamabad and Lahore plan to open franchises in Karachi.
CM Sindh highlighted the ongoing Malir Expressway project, the dualization of the Northern Bypass, and a new road linking the Seaport to Korangi Causeway, describing Karachi’s role as Pakistan’s industrial hub.
Shah also shared plans to improve water accessibility including seawater desalination projects and waste treatment plants to combat pollution and meet domestic and industrial water demands.
While addressing the issues of marine and environmental pollution, CM Sindh stated that treatment plants are being established to responsibly discharge treated sewage and industrial waste into the sea.
The meeting also touched on Karachi’s green initiatives, such as a mangrove plantation along the coast to earn carbon credits. Shah invited Canadian companies to invest in power distribution and education, noting Canada’s interest in Karachi’s growing market.
In discussing energy, Shah shared Sindh’s progress with Thar coal as an affordable energy source, while the project to build climate-resilient homes for flood victims, a projected to benefit over 2 million households by 2025.
On minority rights, Shah underscored Sindh’s commitment to pluralism, with representation from Hindu and Christian officials in the provincial government.
Canadian officials showed interest in Karachi’s development, indicating potential collaborations in energy, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.
