KARACHI, October 8, 2026: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reviewed Sukkur’s urban development plans during a meeting with Mayor Sukkur and Sindh government spokesperson Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh.
Shaikh briefed Bilawal on municipal services, development projects, climate resilience and investment plans for the city.
The meeting also covered efforts to modernise Sukkur Municipal Corporation and improve services for residents.
Sukkur Moves Towards Digital Municipal Services
Shaikh said Sukkur Municipal Corporation is undergoing digital transformation.
The initiative aims to create a modern and increasingly paperless municipal system.
He said digital technology would improve service delivery, transparency and administrative efficiency.
The system would also make municipal services more accessible to citizens.
Clean Water and Wastewater Treatment
Shaikh briefed Bilawal on a proposed clean drinking water project under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
The project has completed its planning and operational model.
It is now awaiting approval from the PPP Policy Board.
The proposed scheme aims to provide clean drinking water to more than 650,000 people and 100,000 households in Sukkur.
Shaikh also discussed wastewater treatment in the city.
More than half of Sukkur’s wastewater is currently treated before discharge into the River Indus, according to the briefing.
The next phase aims to treat 100% of the city’s wastewater.
The plans also include measures to protect the Indus ecosystem.
These efforts include conservation of the Indus River blind dolphin and freshwater turtles.
$1 Billion Sindh Urban Development Programme
Shaikh also briefed Bilawal on climate and urban development plans presented at the Climate Adaptation Investment Planning Forum in Manila.
The forum was held at the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The Government of Sindh and ADB are working on the Sindh Secondary Cities Improvement and Investment Programme.
The programme envisages around $1 billion in investment across five divisional headquarters.
The cities are Sukkur, Hyderabad, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad.
The programme will focus on clean drinking water and modern sewerage systems.
It will also improve solid waste management and landfill facilities.
Resource recovery and revenue-generation systems are also planned.
The programme includes climate-resilient infrastructure, tree plantation and urban forestry.
It will also support comprehensive master plans and sector-specific development plans.
Shaikh said the programme aims to strengthen the economic potential of the cities.
It is also expected to create opportunities for youth, women and vulnerable communities.
Project-readiness financing documentation is nearing completion, according to Shaikh.
The programme is also expected to include public-private partnership projects.
These projects could help improve municipal services and create sustainable revenue for local institutions.
$2 Million Climate Grant for Sukkur
Shaikh also highlighted a $2 million grant for Sukkur’s climate and heat adaptation planning.
The grant comes through the Urban Resilience Trust Fund.
The funding is supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, the UK government and ADB, according to Shaikh.
He clarified that the funding is a grant rather than a loan.
It therefore carries no repayment obligation or debt-servicing charges.
The grant will help develop investment-ready climate projects for Sukkur.
It will also help attract additional financing for urban infrastructure.
Shaikh said the programme will focus on vulnerable communities.
Low-income households and residents of informal settlements will receive particular attention.
International consultants are expected to begin work in Sukkur in November 2026.
Major Projects Planned for Sukkur
Shaikh also briefed Bilawal on several major urban projects.
One is the proposed Ladies World project.
The facility is planned as a safe recreational and social space for women.
It is expected to include a walking track, swimming pool, gymnasium and library.
Shaikh also discussed the Gadani Phatak Overhead Bridge project.
He said the bridge would improve connectivity between two important tehsils.
The project is expected to benefit around 350,000 residents.
Urban Development Linked to Jobs
Shaikh said Sukkur’s development strategy goes beyond roads and other physical infrastructure.
He said the aim is to create a modern and economically active urban system.
The strategy links better municipal services with economic opportunities.
It also focuses on youth, women, entrepreneurs and businesses.
Climate adaptation will remain a central part of future planning.
The plans include urban forestry, tree plantation and heat mitigation.
Water conservation and climate-friendly infrastructure will also form part of the strategy.
Bilawal Calls for Better Public Services
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appreciated the development initiatives planned for Sukkur.
He stressed the need for sustainable urban development.
He also called for development projects to deliver direct benefits to citizens.
Bilawal said quality public services should remain a priority.
He also emphasised improving living standards across the city.
Shaikh thanked Bilawal for his focus on Sukkur’s development and public welfare.
He said modern technology and sustainable infrastructure would remain central to the city’s development strategy.
He added that climate resilience, environmental protection and economic opportunities would be integrated into future urban planning.
