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Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PDP urges Sindh govt to revive KTC
KARACHI: Commenting that Lahore is getting electric tram system while Karachi lacks even a proper bus-based transport system, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor has demanded from the Sindh government to revive Karachi Transport Corporation (KTC) and bring its 200 plus buses back to roads on urgent basis, besides establishing an integrated bodies to resolve the public transport issues of the megacity. He said resolving Karachi's public transport issues require a multi-faceted approach, addressing infrastructure, governance, funding, and urban planning. He said several KTC bus depots are present with workshops and hundreds of old buses parked there. He said these depots and old buses could be repaired and run on roads. He said a revived KTC is the easiest solution to help resolve public transport issues of Karachi. The megacity needs integrated mass transit systems. He said the government should complete and extend existing BRT lines including Green Line and Red Line to cover more areas. He said revival of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) is a must. The federal government and its railways department should modernize and operationalize KCR with electric trains, connecting key hubs. He asked to introduce underground/subway lines in high-density areas like Saddar, Gulshan and Nazimabad. He urged to improve the existing transport modes and regulate private buses & minibuses. He asked for enforcing route permits, fare controls, and safety standards. He asked to revamp KTC), and reinstate government-run buses with GPS tracking and fixed schedules. He said Karachi needs dedicated Bus Lanes, as congestion can be reduced by allocating exclusive lanes for buses. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PDP for building Karachi-Hyderabad, Karachi-Keti Bander corridors
KARACHI: Megacity Karachi is facing acute joblessness and to mitigate it, the government should construct the proposed Karachi-Hyderabad and Karachi-Keti Bander industrial corridors on priority, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said industrial corridors are crucial drivers of economic development and infrastructure growth, as they stimulate large-scale industrial development by providing planned infrastructure. They attract domestic and foreign investment, boosting GDP and employment. They promote cluster-based development where industries benefit from being located near each other. Altaf Shakoor said these corridors involve world-class roads, railways, ports, and power supply, improving connectivity and thus lead to development of smart cities, logistics hubs, and industrial parks. They help in decongesting major cities by promoting growth in lesser-developed regions. He said new industries and infrastructure projects create millions of direct and indirect jobs, and support skill development through training centers and vocational institutions. They also spur urbanization in a planned manner, preventing chaotic city expansion. He said industrial corridors are PPP-friendly (Public-Private Partnership), promoting efficiency and innovation. They create policy frameworks and single-window clearances that make it easier to do business. He urged the government to study various models of industrial corridors particularly the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). He said Karachi is suitable for industrial corridors due to port access, existing Industrial base, and availability of skilled labour, suppliers, and service providers. Karachi is already linked to national highways (N-5, Super Highway/M9) and railway lines. He said the proposed Karachi-Hyderabad Industrial Corridor would be connecting the existing industrial areas and developing new ones along the Super Highway (M-9). He said the proposed Karachi–Keti Bandar corridor will link Thar's coal resources to a new seaport at Keti Bandar, along with rail, power, and industrial infrastructure. He said this project has been under active consideration under CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) frameworks since 2016, but now it is time to implement this highly important project. He said this corridor would complement Karachi's industrial ecosystem in a great way. He said this project has already been officially recognized under CPEC and has past feasibility, but now needs serious execution commitment, sustainable environmental planning, and private public coordination to move from paper to reality. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Poor connectivity, security issues hinder Gwadar Port usage: PDP
KARACHI: Though the lack of road and rail connectivity and suboptimal security are amongst the main issues hindering proper usage of Gwadar Port, but to make this key port fully functional it needs to develop an industrial and manufacturing near it on top priority, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said Gwadar Port could really be made a game-changer for regional trade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), if the government is serious about working in this direction instead of lip service. He said despite being operational since 2007, Gwadar handles very little cargo compared to other ports like Karachi and Port Qasim. He said the lack of industrial and commercial infrastructure around Gwadar has hindered its growth as a trade hub. He said foreign-backed terrorists and insurgents have plagued Gwadar, with frequent attacks on workers and infrastructure projects. Security threats have discouraged foreign investors and shipping companies from using the port. He said many CPEC-linked projects like roads, railways, power plants meant to support Gwadar's development have been delayed or stalled. The promised Gwadar Free Zone has not attracted significant investment yet. The poor road network had limited logistics growth. Altaf Shakoor regretted that Chinese companies have been reluctant to invest heavily in industries around Gwadar. The government's inability to provide reliable electricity, water, and security has also deterred investors. He said while Gwadar has potential due to its deep-sea port and strategic location, it has so far failed to deliver on its economic promises. Unless Pakistan and China address security, infrastructure, and investment challenges, Gwadar may remain an underperforming asset rather than the 'next Dubai' it was hyped to be. He said that to make Gwadar Port the next Dubai, the government must speed construction of the ML-1 Railway (Peshawar-Karachi) and link it to Gwadar for seamless cargo movement. It should expand the Eastbay Expressway and connect it to the national highway network for better inland freight transport. It should develop a dedicated freight corridor from Gwadar to China (via Khunjerab Pass) to boost trade. It should build power plants (solar, wind, or coal-based) to ensure uninterrupted electricity for industries, besides setting up desalination plants to solve Gwadar's chronic water shortage. He said that unlike Karachi, Gwadar has no major industrial or urban center nearby to drive demand. He said no port succeeds without economic activity. Ports like Dubai (Jebel Ali) and Singapore thrive because they have industries, warehouses, and exports feeding them. Gwadar needs factories, refineries, and logistics hubs to generate cargo demand. He said ships will only dock at Gwadar if there's enough cargo and industries guarantee that. Negotiations with China to use this port for their supply chain will not only make this port fully operational but will also boost industrial development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt urged to bring Gorakh Hill under renewed focus
KARACHI: Expressing concern over very poor infrastructure and facilities at Gorakh Hill, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday demanded of the government to give it a serious focus to make it a key tourist destination. He said reaching Gorakh Hill is a really uphill task due to a single lane road that too is not in a good condition. He said ideally this hill station needs an expressway like the Murree Expressway, but at least the government could convert this single track road into a double-track highway. He said better road connectivity would boost local tourism and help the growing economy of Sindh. He said that installing solar-powered lights on this road would ensure night travel safety. He said a cable car system from a base station (e.g., Wahi Pandi) could be a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative, in the pattern of Patriata (New Murree) Cable Car. It could also boost tourism without heavy road construction. He suggested a comprehensive development of Gorakh Hill through CPEC funding under Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) for infrastructure. He said that developing Gorakh Hill into a modern hill station requires a well-planned strategy that balances tourism, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and local community development. He said that besides an all weather double-track road, Gorakh Hill needs electricity & water supply. The government should install solar/ wind energy solutions and sustainable water storage systems. It should also ensure high-speed internet and mobile network coverage for tourists and businesses. He said there is also a need to develop eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and lodges with modern amenities while preserving natural beauty. He said Gorakh Hill is an ideal place for adventure tourism. The government could promote trekking, paragliding, camping, and stargazing (due to clear skies). It should also develop nature trails, botanical gardens, and wildlife observation points. It may also showcase local Sindhi culture through festivals, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine. He said Gorakh Hill as the only place in Sindh with occasional snowfall, and this an ideal site for winter tourism. Altaf Shakoor said Gorakh hill needs a lot of trees. The Sindh forest department should plant native trees to prevent soil erosion and enhance greenery. He said the Sindh government should also encourage private investors to develop hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. He said the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) must play a key role to promote Gorakh Hill as a key destination, through government funding and grants or loans from environmental and tourism development organisations. It could offer tour packages in collaboration with travel agencies. He said the Sindh culture department could organise annual events like music festivals, winter carnivals, or adventure sports competitions at Gorakh hill. The government should encourage local entrepreneurs to set up cafes, souvenir shops, and transport services. It should also set up tourist police and emergency response units, as well as medical facilities like a basic health center or mobile medical units. Altaf Shakoor said that with proper planning, investment, and sustainable practices, Gorakh Hill can become a premier hill station in Pakistan, attracting domestic and international tourists while preserving its natural beauty. The key is balanced development —modernizing without overexploiting the environment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PDP for converting Karachi into modern efficient liveable city
KARACHI: Megacity Karachi is one of the least developed megacities of the world and there is a need to convert it into a modern efficient liveable city, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said that the dream of having a liveable city is the old dream of Karachiites, which is yet to be materialized. He said we need Karachi as an efficient modern megacity that offers a high quality of life, sustainability, and opportunities for its residents. He said that Karachi has become a congested city dotted with hundreds of poor slums. Karachiites want affordable and quality housing, with diverse options for different income levels. It needs well-maintained buildings and neighbourhoods, efficient and reliable public transportation, with Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) as its backbone. It also requires reliable, affordable, and well-connected transit systems of buses, bike and bicycle lanes. Better public transport would reduce road congestion and air and noise pollution. Altaf Shakoor said that the megacity has very sparse parks and green spaces, gardens, and recreational areas. He said better safety standards, and lower crime rate is the need of hour. The safe city project is facing an extended delay which is worrisome. The megacity needs effective law enforcement and community policing, besides well-lit streets and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. A city can't be called liveable without better access to quality healthcare and education, well-equipped hospitals and clinics, good schools, universities, and lifelong learning opportunities. He said growing joblessness is a major concern of Karachi. It needs a strong economy & more job opportunities, for which diverse industries and employment options are necessary. He said the government should support small businesses and the fisheries and maritime sector. Shortage of potable water, electricity and gas load shedding are perpetual issues of Karachi, he said, adding clean potable water, stable electricity and gas should be ensured for the Karachiites at top priority, besides well-maintained roads and public facilities. He demanded of the federal and provincial government to allocate ample funds for Karachi in the coming budget to make it a liveable megacity. Modern megacities are self sustainable efficient cities in terms of amenities and resources. Water, electricity and gas should be available to all residents at affordable prices. Circular railways connected with road networks are essential elements of the modern transportation system of smart cities. Resource allocation should be in accordance with organic population growth and migration rate. Mega cities can only be managed effectively through elected representatives operating a transparent system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
