Key Takeaways
- Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that the NFC Award to provinces has declined due to provincial contributions.
- The Sindh government allocated Rs9 billion for development works in Karachi’s industrial zones, including Rs2bn for KATI.
- Governor Nehal Hashmi assured industrialists in the SITE area of his support and proposed establishing a development company.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has clarified that the National Finance Commission (NFC) share allocated to provinces this year has decreased due to provincial contributions aiding the federal government. Speaking at an event organized by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), he stated, 'Despite reduced financial resources, every effort had been made to ensure that provincial development projects and grants remained unaffected.'
The CM further elaborated on the specific allocation stating, 'The Sindh government has allocated Rs9 billion for development works in Karachi’s industrial zones, including Rs2bn for KATI,' according to his remarks. This allocation is aimed at uplifting the industrial areas of the city, which are crucial for economic growth and job creation.
Addressing concerns raised by KATI regarding the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, Murad assured that valuable lessons have been learned from the Red Line project and the government will strive to complete the Yellow Line on time without creating unnecessary inconvenience. He emphasized the need for consultations with all stakeholders to resolve these issues.
Dr Abdul Bari, CEO of Indus Hospital, highlighted the significant growth of the hospital since its inception in 2005. He said, 'What began as a 150-bed hospital has expanded into 15 hospitals across Pakistan, while Indus University was also expected to be launched soon.' The hospital’s annual budget had increased from Rs100 million at its inception to Rs68 billion, enabling it to provide free medical treatment to around 600,000 patients daily.
Separately, Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi visited the SITE area and assured industrialists of his full support in resolving issues faced by the industry. Speaking on energy crunch and high power tariffs, he proposed establishing a SITE Development and Management Company similar to those already set up in Korangi, Landhi, Federal B Area, and North Karachi Industrial Area. This move is intended to hand over ownership to actual stakeholders for better management.
SAI President Abdul Rehman Fudda briefed the governor on issues faced by the industry, including energy shortages and high power tariffs. He proposed establishing a Pak-China export promotion body to increase exports to China. Patron-in-Chief Zubair Motiwala echoed these concerns, suggesting that utility prices should be kept at regionally competitive levels to help industries excel in exports.
The governor’s visit underscores the importance of addressing industrial sector challenges and ensuring a conducive environment for business growth. The allocation of funds to industrial zones and the proposed development companies are steps towards achieving this goal.
'Despite reduced financial resources, every effort had been made to ensure that provincial development projects and grants remained unaffected.'
Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Chief Minister
'The Sindh government has allocated Rs9 billion for development works in Karachi’s industrial zones, including Rs2bn for KATI,'
Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Chief Minister
'What began as a 150-bed hospital has expanded into 15 hospitals across Pakistan, while Indus University was also expected to be launched soon.'
Dr Abdul Bari, CEO of Indus Hospital
