Keti Bandar Deep-Sea Port Project Will Be Built Through Public-Private Partnership: Murad Ali Shah
Sindh chief minister says the proposed port remains a strategic priority and vows to further empower local governments across the province.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah speaks to the media in Korangi about Keti Bandar and provincial development.
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said the provincial government will pursue the development of a Keti Bandar deep-sea port through a public-private partnership, describing the project as strategically important for Sindh and Pakistan.
Speaking to the media at the Sindh Institute of Animal Health in Korangi, Shah said the project was originally envisioned by former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
He said the Sindh government would work under the guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to develop the deep-sea port.
Keti Bandar Seen as Strategic Port
Shah said Karachi Port was established in 1854, while former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto established Port Qasim in 1972.
He said Keti Bandar predates both Karachi Port and Port Qasim and could eventually play an important role in Pakistan’s maritime economy.
BRI Excellence Centre Opens in Gujranwala to Deepen Pakistan-China Cooperation
The chief minister said the changing global situation had further increased the need for a deep-sea port at Keti Bandar.
He described Thar coal as a potential game changer for Sindh and said the Keti Bandar project could become another major development initiative for the province.
Shah said the government would continue working to turn the project into a significant economic and infrastructure development.
Sindh Rejects Province Division Debate
Responding to questions about the division of Sindh, Shah said the Sindh Assembly had passed resolutions against dividing the province on six occasions.
He challenged those interested in the issue to bring a resolution before the assembly and let the people of Sindh decide what they want.
“I am accountable to the Sindh Assembly, its members and the people of Sindh,” Shah said.
He added that the future of Sindh would depend on the wishes of its people rather than the preferences of individual politicians.
“The people of Sindh will decide what happens,” he said.
Push to Strengthen Local Governments
Shah also reaffirmed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to strengthening the local government system.
He said empowering local governments and institutions remains part of the party’s manifesto.
According to the chief minister, Sindh is the only province with a local government act and functioning local governments.
He said the provincial government would further strengthen and empower local institutions.
However, Shah stressed that greater authority must come with stronger accountability and improved institutional capacity.
He also expressed the view that other provinces should establish and strengthen their own local government systems.
Healthcare Conditions Need Improvement
The chief minister also commented on the situation at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, describing the incident there as deeply distressing.
He expressed sympathy with the affected families and said healthcare services across Pakistan require improvements.
Shah clarified that his direct responsibility extends to Sindh, but said health facilities wherever they operate in the country need better conditions and services.
He said the Sindh government would continue working to improve public services within the province.
The chief minister said the Pakistan Peoples Party had consistently worked for the welfare of the people of Sindh and would continue to do so.
