In a major move to bolster the province’s economic landscape, the Sindh Cabinet on Tuesday officially approved a development package worth Rs 2.9 billion dedicated to the uplift of industrial zones.

Presiding over the cabinet meeting, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the funds would be utilised to overhaul the road networks and drainage systems across all industrial areas in the port city.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to industrial growth, noting that modern infrastructure is a prerequisite for economic stability.

The chief minister further announced that this initiative is only the first phase of a broader provincial strategy.

He revealed that the industries department is currently finalising development plans for industrial estates in other cities across Sindh.

A separate financial package for these regional industrial hubs will be unveiled as soon as the project blueprints are completed.

Beyond industrial development, the chief minister addressed the outcomes of “Awami Kacheris” (public hearings) recently held in 23 districts.

He noted that a significant number of complaints were lodged regarding law and order, healthcare, municipal services, and irrigation.

Issuing a stern warning to the bureaucracy, CM Murad directed all departments to resolve these grievances immediately and submit compliance reports.

He announced that a second round of public hearings will commence in the second week of January, warning that any officers found negligent in addressing public complaints will face strict disciplinary action.

The development comes a week after Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, described the approval of a development package of more than Rs 9.28 billion for Karachi’s industrial areas as a historic and timely move by the Sindh government.

On execution of this development programme, he added, the Sindh government will come up with another similar package.

In a statement on December 22, the senior minister said that the PPP government is taking practical and targeted initiatives with consistency to make Karachi a strong and competitive international industrial and commercial hub once again.

He said that Karachi is the centre and engine of the country’s economy.

The revival and development of its industrial zones are directly linked to employment, exports, and investment.

The development work started under a comprehensive roadmap destined to improve the infrastructure of industrial areas and will be completed within six months.

These funds are being provided from the Infrastructure Development Cess, which is paid by the industries themselves, he said.