KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, while emphasizing the urgent need to address Karachi’s water challenges, criticized the federal government for allocating only Rs.3 billion this year out of the Rs.78 billion it had committed for K-IV project, says a Press release.
In contrast, he said, the Sindh government has provided complete funding for all associated components of the important K-IV project.
“Four major sub-projects under K-IV are currently underway and a Rs. 50 billion project to expand the capacity of the water feeders will be completed this year. Another Rs. 170 billion initiative is bringing water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi, and a power plant is being installed via STDC to support two major pumping stations”, he added while inaugurating the 20th “My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony” International Exhibition at the Expo Center Karachi on Friday.
Sindh Minister for Industries and Production Ikramullah Khan Dharejo, Sindh Minister for Local Governments Saeed Ghani, Additional IGP Jawed Alam Odho, Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG & President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Vice Chairman BMG Mian Abrar Ahmed, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil, Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition Muhammad Idrees, Diplomats from friendly countries, KCCI Managing Committee Members and others distinguished figures were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister announced that the Sindh government has completed the construction of a new 100 MGD Hub Canal which will be inaugurated on August 14. The old Hub Canal will also be restored and upgraded to 100 MGD capacity. By the end of this year, Karachi is expected to start receiving 200 MGD water from Hub Dam.
He also highlighted the importance of the Dumlottee water supply project for southern Karachi and anticipated that 150 MGD additional water will be supplied to the city during the current year. He demanded that the federal government must increase Karachi’s water allocation from Hub Dam, especially as water availability has improved due to climatic conditions.
Chief Minister, while warmly congratulating the Karachi Chamber on successfully organizing the landmark 20th edition of the exhibition, stated that it has become a true symbol of Karachi’s entrepreneurial energy, resilience, and cultural vibrancy.
Announcing the commencement of Independence Day celebrations across Sindh today which will continue until August 14 under the theme “Marka-e-Haq”, he said that the theme reflects Pakistan’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty, justice, and unity. Referring to the regional tensions, he stated that the people of Pakistan have proven their unity and resolve by giving a robust response to India’s May 2025 conspiracy.
Highlighting development issues, the Chief Minister referenced the 2015-16 World Bank gap analysis, which revealed that Karachi required Rs. 3 trillion in investment to meet the standards of a modern metropolitan city. He emphasized that such large-scale projects cannot be undertaken by the provincial government alone and require active participation from the federal government.
Addressing the issue of natural gas, Chief Minister lamented that although Sindh produces 70 percent of Pakistan’s gas, it does not receive its constitutional share. He criticized the federal government for not convening the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting for the past one and a half years and vowed to raise Sindh’s case forcefully in the next session. He reminded that according to the Constitution, CCI must meet every three months.
He also called on citizens to fulfill their legal responsibilities, particularly by registering their vehicles and paying taxes, instead of blaming law enforcement agencies for lapses. He reassured the business community that the Sindh government stands shoulder to shoulder with them and with the Karachi Chamber.
Murad Ali Shah strongly asserted that any hostile intentions toward Pakistan would be met with a firm response. “Pakistan enjoys robust trade relations globally and every country is keen to do business with Pakistan”, he added.
Earlier, Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, in his remarks, paid glowing tribute to Sindh government for extending full support and cooperation to KCCI in dealing with numerous issues being faced by the business community in Karachi.
He stressed that the business community needs more support in dealing with numerous issues which have been pending since long, particularly the gas shortages. He also sought CM’s help in resolving the water shortages being faced by the industries of Karachi by expediting development work of K-IV project that must be completed at the earliest possible time.
Highlighting the purpose and salient features of My Karachi Exhibition, he appreciated Foreign Diplomats for their participation in 20th My Karachi Exhibition which was being staged every year to portray the positive image of Karachi and this exhibition is not only recognized in Pakistan but all over the world. “This exhibition successfully showcases what is being produced in Pakistan and how excellently the manufacturing and trading sectors are performing”, he added while requesting the diplomats to convey a positive message about Karachi in their reports to respective countries.
President KCCI Jawed Bilwani, while delivering the welcome address, expressed deep appreciation to the Sindh Government for choosing “Marka-e-Haq” as this year’s theme for Independence Day celebrations, calling it a meaningful and inspiring tribute to the truth of the Pakistan Movement and the valiant role of Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the nation against aggression.
Highlighting the origin and journey of the “My Karachi” Exhibition, President Bilwani recalled that the event was initiated in 2004 under the dynamic leadership of the late Siraj Kassim Teli, founder Chairman BMG, at a time when Karachi was being negatively portrayed globally. “The exhibition was envisioned to show the world that Karachi is not only a peaceful city but also the economic lifeline of Pakistan,” he said.
He said, “Despite repeated demands, Karachi’s only Expo Center has yet to be upgraded to international standards. We urge the Sindh Government to also establish a separate world-class Expo Center in Karachi at the provincial level to help showcase Sindh’s products globally.”
He further highlighted the severe shortage of water in Karachi, pointing out that while the city’s daily demand exceeds 1,200 MGD, supply remains limited to 550-650 MGD. “Over two decades have passed listening to promises about the K-IV water project, yet it remains incomplete. On top of that, Karachiites are subjected to the highest water tariffs in the country. Is this the reward for contributing the most in taxes?” he questioned.
President Bilwani also raised serious concerns over gas shortages, despite Sindh producing over 70% of Pakistan’s natural gas. He urged the Sindh Government to actively pursue the province’s constitutional right to a fair share of gas supply from the federal government.
Touching upon Karachi’s deteriorating infrastructure, he emphasized the urgent need for rehabilitation of roads, drainage systems, removal of encroachments, and improved traffic management. He also called for expedited work on delayed development projects and a robust strategy to tackle rising street crime through enhanced policing, accelerated implementation of the Safe City Project, and upgraded surveillance systems.
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