KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the 20th edition of the My Karachi Oasis of Harmony International Exhibition at Expo Center Karachi on Friday, while calling on the federal government to enhance Karachis water allocation from Hub Dam and ensure Sindh receives its constitutional share of natural gas.
Highlighting the citys severe water shortage, the CM criticized the federal government for allocating only Rs. 3 billion out of the Rs. 78 billion committed for the K-IV water supply project this year. He noted that the Sindh government has fully funded all associated components of the project, including four major sub-projects currently underway.
Murad Ali Shah announced that a new 100 MGD Hub Canal has been completed and will be inaugurated on August 14, alongside the restoration and upgrade of the old Hub Canal to 100 MGD. By year-end, Karachi is expected to start receiving 200 MGD of water from Hub Dam, in addition to 150 MGD from the Dumlottee project.
He also revealed a Rs. 170 billion initiative to bring water from Keenjhar Lake to Karachi and the installation of a power plant to support two major pumping stations. The CM reiterated that large-scale infrastructure projects require active federal support, referencing a 201516 World Bank report that estimated Karachi needs Rs. 3 trillion in investment to function as a modern metropolis.
Murad Ali Shah further criticized the federal government for not convening a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting for over 18 months, despite Sindh producing 70% of Pakistans natural gas. He vowed to raise Sindhs case forcefully in the next session.
The CM congratulated the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) for successfully organizing the landmark exhibition, describing it as a symbol of Karachis entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and cultural vibrancy. He also announced the start of Independence Day celebrations across Sindh under the theme Maarka-e-Haq, which will continue until August 14.
Prominent dignitaries at the event included Sindh Ministers Ikramullah Khan Dharejo and Saeed Ghani, Additional IGP Jawed Alam Odho, BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala, KCCI President Jawed Bilwani, foreign diplomats, and other business leaders.
Also read: KCCI Chief Slams for Keeping Interest Rate at 11%, Warns of Economic Slowdown
Speaking at the event, Zubair Motiwala praised the Sindh governments support for KCCI and highlighted issues faced by the business community, particularly gas shortages and water supply constraints for industries. He called for expedited completion of the K-IV project and urged the establishment of a world-class Expo Center to promote Sindhs products internationally.
KCCI President Jawed Bilwani echoed concerns about Karachis deteriorating infrastructure, water scarcity, and gas shortages, urging the provincial government to pursue Sindhs constitutional rights more actively. He also stressed the urgent need to improve roads, drainage systems, traffic management, and policing to tackle rising street crime.
The My Karachi Exhibition, first launched in 2004 under the late Siraj Kassim Teli, continues to serve as a platform to showcase Pakistans manufacturing and trading capabilities and promote a positive global image of Karachi as the countrys economic hub.
