City and District Real Estate News

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has laid the foundation stone for infrastructure development projects worth approximately Rs 732 million in the North Karachi Industrial Area, aimed at improving road networks, drainage systems and essential facilities to support industrial growth and economic activity.

The projects are being undertaken by the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI). The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives of the industrial community, City Council members and NKATI President Faisal Moiz Khan. Speaking on the occasion, the mayor emphasised that modern infrastructure in industrial zones was essential for attracting investment, facilitating business operations and creating employment opportunities. He said stronger industrial activity would contribute to economic development through increased tax revenues, foreign exchange earnings and job creation.

Addressing challenges faced by Karachi’s industrial sector, Wahab highlighted gas shortages, high electricity tariffs and inadequate water supply. Referring to Article 158 of the Constitution, he maintained that Sindh was not receiving its rightful share of natural gas despite being a major gas-producing province. He urged the federal government to address the issue while advocating greater utilisation of Sindh’s wind energy potential to provide affordable electricity to industries. Regarding Karachi’s water shortages, he said the city's existing infrastructure had the capacity to transport an additional 100 to 200 million gallons of water daily and called for an increase in its water allocation.

The mayor also announced plans to collaborate with industrialists on environmental compliance, chemical analysis, wastewater recycling, sewage treatment and biogas initiatives. He assured the business community of the Sindh government's continued support and directed consultants and contractors to expedite the development works, particularly road construction and drainage improvements. Wahab said approximately Rs 732 million would be spent on the projects, with the amount subsequently sought from the provincial government. He expressed confidence that improved infrastructure would strengthen North Karachi's industrial environment and support long-term economic development.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf has directed the relevant departments to expedite development works and resolve infrastructure-related issues in Park Enclave, particularly in Phases II and III, to ensure improved residential facilities and timely delivery of essential services to plot allottees.

The Sindh government has granted in-principle approval for the construction of a multi-storey parking plaza in Karachi’s Clifton area at an estimated cost of Rs 1.61 billion, aiming to improve parking facilities and address growing demand in one of the city’s major residential and commercial districts. The approval was granted during a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, where several infrastructure development proposals involving private-sector participation were reviewed.

According to the proposed plan, the parking plaza will be constructed on a 1,352-square-yard plot owned by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) in Clifton Block 2, near Ziauddin Hospital. The facility will accommodate 96 cars and 160 motorcycles simultaneously. Limited commercial facilities will also be incorporated into the development, allowing space for business activities alongside organised vehicle parking.

The project is proposed to be implemented through a public-private partnership under the Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) model. A concession period of 35 years has been proposed, during which the private sector would participate in developing and operating the facility under an agreed contractual arrangement. The meeting also considered opportunities to expand organised parking infrastructure across Clifton.

The PPP Policy Board approved the inclusion of 41 additional KDA-owned parking sites in Clifton Blocks 1 to 7 and Block 9 within the scope of work assigned to transaction advisers. These locations will undergo technical and financial assessments to determine whether they can be developed into parking facilities through similar public-private partnership arrangements.

The proposed parking plaza forms part of broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure in Clifton, where hospitals, commercial establishments, offices and residential developments generate substantial demand for vehicle parking. The addition of organised parking capacity is expected to provide motorists with an alternative to roadside parking and potentially improve access to surrounding commercial and residential properties. Commercial facilities incorporated into the proposed development could also generate economic activity. However, details regarding the allocation, size and management of these commercial spaces have not yet been finalised.

The assessment of the additional 41 sites could help authorities identify further opportunities to expand parking infrastructure across Clifton. Their inclusion in the evaluation process does not, however, constitute approval for construction at those locations. Officials have not announced a commencement date, construction timeline, private-sector partner or expected completion schedule for the proposed plaza.

The in-principle approval represents an initial step towards implementation rather than authorisation for immediate construction. Further progress will depend on the completion of technical evaluations, financial and contractual arrangements, and other necessary administrative procedures.

Once implemented, the project could strengthen parking infrastructure in Clifton while establishing a framework for additional parking developments through private-sector participation.