Karachi Gets Major Development Push as Shahrah-e-Bhutto Opens
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday inaugurated the 39-kilometre signal-free Shahrah-e-Bhutto corridor from Qayyumabad to the M-9 Motorway, calling it a landmark infrastructure achievement for Karachi.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah along with senior provincial ministers, lawmakers, and business leaders.
Three New Mega Projects Announced for Karachi and Sindh
During the event, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced three major development initiatives aimed at boosting Pakistan’s long-term economic capacity:
- Construction of Pakistan’s first modern deep-sea port at Keti Bandar under a public-private partnership model
- Establishment of the Sindh International Financial Center, modeled on global financial hubs
- Creation of a dedicated defence production zone in Karachi to support domestic manufacturing and exports
He said these projects would reshape Karachi into a regional economic powerhouse.
Call for Peace Amid Regional Tensions
Bilawal also expressed support for ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan’s civil-military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at de-escalating regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
He warned that continued instability could further strain Pakistan’s economy through rising fuel and energy costs.
PPP Defends Development Record in Karachi
The PPP chairman said Karachi had seen unprecedented development under PPP-led governments since 2008, crediting major infrastructure projects such as Shahrah-e-Faisal, Lyari Expressway, and Pakistan Steel Mills to previous party administrations.
He reiterated that Karachi remains both the “commercial and healthcare capital” of Pakistan due to Sindh’s public sector reforms.
Public-Private Partnership Model Highlighted
Bilawal emphasized that Shahrah-e-Bhutto and future projects are being executed through public-private partnerships, a model he said ensures efficiency and financial sustainability.
He also reaffirmed commitment to completing the next phase connecting the corridor to Karachi Port.
Political Remarks and Development Vision
Criticizing political opponents, Bilawal said PPP would continue delivering development despite criticism, adding that governance challenges in Karachi must be addressed collectively rather than politicized.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah described the project as a “modern motorway corridor” that would significantly improve traffic flow and regional connectivity.
