Murad Ali Shah Orders Fast-Track Implementation of SWEEP to Modernise Karachi’s Waste System

Nabeel Jamal

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has approved the acceleration of the Solid Waste Emergency & Efficiency Project (SWEEP), a major initiative aimed at overhauling Karachi’s waste management infrastructure and reducing the city’s environmental footprint.

Chairing a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, the CM said SWEEP — a joint project of the Government of Sindh and the World Bank — is central to the government’s vision of transforming Karachi into a cleaner, greener and more liveable metropolis.

The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister Nasir Shah, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad and SWEEP Project Director Anwar Shar.

Focus on Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Karachi

The chief minister said the primary objective of SWEEP is to reduce Karachi’s carbon footprint while ensuring compliance with national and international environmental quality standards.

He noted that the project seeks to modernise waste collection and disposal systems, enhance safety at dumpsites, rehabilitate exhausted landfill areas and improve living conditions for waste pickers residing near disposal sites.

“Integrated solid waste management is essential for public health, environmental protection and climate resilience,” he said, directing officials to strictly adhere to environmental safeguards and ensure timely completion of all components.

Infrastructure Development Under SWEEP

The SWEEP project focuses on developing critical infrastructure, including modern Garbage Transfer Stations (GTS) and sanitary engineered Landfill Sites (LFS), to strengthen Karachi’s municipal solid waste system.

Garbage Transfer Stations are designed to streamline waste reception, segregation and bulk transfer, reducing environmental hazards and operational inefficiencies.

Engineered landfill sites will feature leachate management systems, gas wells and regulated waste disposal mechanisms to ensure environmentally compliant handling of residual waste.

Package 1: Garbage Transfer Stations

Construction is underway at four locations: Sharafi Goth, Dinga Morr, Imtiaz and Gutter Baghicha.

As of February 2026, Sharafi Goth GTS has achieved more than 52 per cent physical progress, while the remaining sites are advancing at various stages. Several facilities are expected to be completed by August 2026.

Package 2: Jam Chakro Landfill Site

At the 485-acre Jam Chakro landfill site, work is progressing across five landfill phases, with an estimated operational lifespan of 6.5 years.

Current physical progress stands at approximately 41 per cent. Development includes construction of leachate tanks, gas wells, waste reception areas, internal roads and supporting buildings.

The facility is designed to manage up to 7,000 tonnes of waste per day in accordance with environmental standards.

Alignment with National Vision

The chief minister said SWEEP aligns with Pakistan’s Vision 2025 goals of reducing urban pollution, modernising waste transfer systems and promoting sustainable cities.

He instructed project authorities to address delays, close performance gaps and maintain implementation momentum to deliver measurable improvements for Karachi’s residents.

“We are committed to providing a sustainable and liveable environment through an end-to-end, integrated solid waste management system,” he said.