Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah held a meeting with Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, to discuss the pending approval of the Coastal Highway project and 20 other critical provincial projects awaiting clearance from the Planning Commission. The meeting, held at the CM House and attended by Minister for Planning & Development and Energy Syed Nasir Shah, focused on the significant potential of the Coastal Highway.
CM Shah emphasized that the highway, when completed, would serve as an economic corridor linking Keti Bandar, Karachi, and upcountry highways. The federal minister announced the start of Phase II of the Coastal Highway, with land leveling underway, and underlined the project’s importance not just for public transport but as a key economic zone.
The Sindh Coastal Highway spans 279 kilometers, beginning at Gharo and extending to Ali Bunder in District Badin. The project, initially launched in 2007, has been completed in phases due to financial constraints.
The first phase, covering 37 kilometers from Gharo to the National Highway, was completed in 2023-24, and an additional 11 kilometers are under construction. Phase II, which will extend the highway by 36 kilometers from Gadajo to N110, is pending approval under the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The remaining 195 kilometers, from Keti Bunder to Ali Bunder, is awaiting further policy decisions and funding.
CM Shah also discussed several other delayed provincial projects, including the construction of sewerage treatment plants, water supply networks for Hyderabad, and the rehabilitation of roads in Karachi’s SITE Industrial Estate. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal assured that the necessary approvals for these projects would be expedited. The meeting also addressed the Karachi Urban Infrastructure Development Package and the Hyderabad Urban Infrastructure Development Package, both of which are under review for PC-I approval. The CM noted that more detailed estimations are required before progress can be made on these proposals. Regarding the reconstruction of schools affected by the 2022 floods, the federal minister confirmed the clearance of funds for the first quarter, with more expected as work progresses.
Further more Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his vision of an inclusive Sindh at a ceremony marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2024, held at the CM House. Organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), the event celebrated the resilience and leadership of individuals with disabilities under the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
Addressing a diverse audience, including government officials, private sector representatives, and families of persons with disabilities, Shah emphasized the Sindh government’s commitment to creating equal opportunities. “Our vision is a Sindh where persons with disabilities are empowered as decision-makers and contributors, shaping a society that values each individual’s unique potential,” he said.
The chief minister highlighted key initiatives in inclusive education, health, vocational training, employment, and rehabilitation. He underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and private institutions to establish comprehensive support centers for persons with disabilities. The event featured inspiring performances by children with disabilities, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination.
Certificates were awarded to youth who had successfully completed specialized training programs, reaffirming the province’s dedication to equipping individuals with essential skills for personal and professional growth. Secretary DEPD, Taha Farooqui, commended Murad Ali Shah’s efforts in championing the rights of individuals with disabilities. “The Sindh government has been at the forefront of initiatives in health, education, and employment to support individuals with disabilities,” he said. Shah called on civil society and the private sector to join efforts in creating a more enabling environment for persons with disabilities. “Inclusion is not a privilege; it’s a fundamental human right. Together, we can build a province where no one is left behind,” he stated.
