Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has urged Chinese businessmen to invest in electric vehicles (e-vehicles) and waste-to-energy projects in the province, pledging full support and necessary facilities for setting up their plants. During a meeting with a delegation of Chinese investors led by Chairman Belt & Road (B&R) Group Wan Xiaowu, the chief minister welcomed both public and private Chinese firms to invest directly in projects or form public-private partnerships with the provincial government. Wan Xiaowu expressed that over 12 top Chinese firms were interested in investing in Karachi, particularly in waste-to-energy, wastewater treatment, desalination, manufacturing of electric buses, and converting petrol motorcycles to electric energy. The delegation also discussed the reconstruction of the city’s sewerage system. Both sides agreed to hold further meetings with the Planning & Development department and the Board of Investment to finalize projects and begin work.
In a separate address to participants of the National and Security War Course-25, CM Murad highlighted Sindh’s initiatives to combat extremism and terrorism. He emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated operations with law enforcement agencies. He also noted the implementation of community engagement and outreach programs to prevent radicalization and promote peace and harmony. Additionally, the chief minister detailed efforts to strengthen the police force through training programs, infrastructure development, and upgrading the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and special branch. He announced the Karachi Safe City Project and the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4) project, which includes installing ANPR and facial recognition cameras at 40 toll plazas in Sindh.
Murad also revealed an increase in investigation costs and a direct budget allocation of Rs4.8 billion for police stations. Health insurance for the police force has been provided, amounting to Rs4.961 billion. The Shaheed Package for fallen officers has been enhanced from Rs10 million to Rs23 million, including salary until retirement and job opportunities for family members. The provincial government has allocated resources for modern technology, such as drones and APCs, to address challenges in the Katcha area, alongside infrastructure development to improve mobility for effective policing.
Addressing Sindh’s fiscal position, CM Murad stated that the total budget outlay for 2024-25 is Rs3.056 trillion. This includes Rs1.912 trillion for current revenue, Rs959 billion for development projects, and Rs184.8 billion for capital expenditure. He emphasized the need for better financial management, noting that essential monthly spending amounts to Rs143 billion, including salaries and pensions. Infrastructure, social protection, and public services remain priorities, with Foreign Project Assistance (FPA) playing a crucial role in funding recovery efforts.
The chief minister highlighted the devastation caused by floods in 2022, which affected 70% of Sindh, leaving 12 million people homeless and causing widespread damage. The Sindh government responded with emergency measures and assessed the losses at $20 billion, presenting an $11.6 billion recovery plan at the Climate Resilient Pakistan Conference in Geneva. For 2024-25, Sindh’s development outlay focuses on infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture, with a budget of Rs959 billion dedicated to these sectors.
CM Murad’s efforts underscore Sindh’s commitment to attracting foreign investment, improving public safety, and addressing economic challenges through strategic planning and international cooperation.
