Samira Nizami
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday inaugurated the 21st “My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony” International Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Centre, highlighting ongoing infrastructure upgrades, industrial support measures and relief initiatives aimed at strengthening the city’s economy and public services.
The chief minister, accompanied by provincial ministers and business leaders, formally opened the exhibition by cutting the ribbon alongside organisers and diplomats. He described the annual event as a symbol of business confidence, cultural unity and collective progress for Karachi and Pakistan.
Upon arrival, he was received by Industries Minister Jam Ikram Dharejo, Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, and prominent business figures including Arif Habib, Zubair Motiwala and Muhammad Idrees.
Karachi’s economic role
Addressing the ceremony, Murad Ali Shah said Karachi remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing around 25 per cent to national production and nearly 90 per cent to Sindh’s economy. He added that Karachi Port and Port Qasim further enhance the city’s strategic commercial importance.
He noted that improved law and order in recent years had boosted investor confidence and opened new development opportunities. “Security is a continuous process, and we will not rest until every citizen and investor feels fully secure,” he said.
Development projects and infrastructure
The chief minister said the provincial government has been funding industrial estates since 2017 and is implementing major drainage and road improvement schemes exceeding Rs13 billion. Several town-level projects worth over Rs1 billion each are also under way.
He said traffic management has improved following the introduction of the e-challan system and urged citizens to follow road safety rules.
On water supply, he said the government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is advancing the K-IV water project to provide an additional 260 million gallons per day to Karachi, while desalination plants are also under consideration to meet long-term needs.
Murad Ali Shah added that Sindh produces about 65 per cent of the country’s natural gas but industries still face shortages, pledging efforts to ensure a fair and reliable energy supply for local businesses.
Relief and emergency services
Expressing sorrow over the recent Gul Plaza fire, the chief minister announced Rs100 million in compensation for each affected family, while shopkeepers would receive Rs500,000 each for immediate relief. He said the government aims to restore businesses within two months and reconstruct the building within two years with improved safety standards.
He also acknowledged challenges in fire safety and rescue operations but said Sindh Rescue 1122 is operational and response systems would be strengthened.
Public-private partnership
Emphasising collaboration, Murad Ali Shah said sustainable development requires active private sector participation alongside government funding. He added that international agencies have recognised Sindh’s public-private partnership model and that foreign investment would increase as local confidence grows.
The chief minister later distributed awards among exhibitors and paid tribute to the late business leader Siraj Kassam Teli for his services to the business community.
Concluding his address, he urged government, businesses and citizens to work together for Karachi’s progress, congratulating organisers and participants on the successful staging of the exhibition.
