Sindh Real Estate News and Land Insights

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.

The Karachi administration has completed fire safety audits of 1,369 buildings across the city's seven districts as part of an extensive inspection campaign launched under the directives of the Sindh government to strengthen building safety standards and prevent fire-related emergencies.

The progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi at his office on November 11, 2026, where officials presented detailed reports on inspections, safety assessments, regulatory compliance and enforcement measures.

According to the briefing, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has begun uploading approved building plans and maps to the Commissioner Karachi Safety Audit Portal. Documentation for 207 buildings has been uploaded to facilitate emergency planning and improve coordination among firefighting agencies.

Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi directed deputy commissioners, SBCA officials and other relevant departments to accelerate inspections and ensure that identified fire hazards are eliminated without unnecessary delays. He emphasised that compliance with prescribed fire safety regulations must be ensured in residential, commercial and other buildings covered by the inspection programme.

The meeting reviewed district-wise progress, including audits of 287 buildings in Korangi, 113 in Central, 107 in East, 103 in West and 98 in South. Officials also presented findings from inspections conducted by eight departments involved in the citywide safety campaign.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) analyst Diyal Das Rathore briefed participants on risk assessments, the classification of non-compliant buildings, follow-up inspections and emergency evacuation exercises. The meeting was informed that repeated inspections had helped reduce safety risks in several previously identified buildings. However, the commissioner instructed officials to revisit properties where deficiencies remained and ensure implementation of all necessary preventive measures.

Authorities reported that assistant commissioners had issued reminder notices to 17 buildings failing to comply with fire safety requirements, while one building had been sealed. Fire drills have also been conducted in 279 buildings to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen evacuation procedures.

In another significant decision, firefighters from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 will receive specialised training in interpreting building plans. The SBCA will coordinate the training programme in collaboration with the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD).

The initiative is intended to help emergency responders understand building layouts, access routes and internal structures during firefighting and rescue operations. ABAD will also upload building plans of relevant properties to the digital safety portal to support coordinated emergency response.

Commissioner instructed departments to strengthen standard operating procedures, improve interdepartmental coordination and take enforcement action against persistent violations. He stressed that notices, follow-up inspections and building closures should be undertaken wherever necessary to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The ongoing campaign is particularly significant for Karachi's residential and commercial property sector, where building safety compliance remains essential for protecting occupants, businesses and property investments. Authorities believe that systematic inspections, digital building records and improved emergency training will strengthen fire prevention measures across the metropolis.

The administration has directed all concerned departments to complete the remaining audits and ensure that buildings meet the required safety standards.

A high-level Saudi business delegation has expressed keen interest in investment and trade cooperation at Gwadar Port. The delegation discussed opportunities in cargo services, transit trade, transshipment and proposed energy terminals with Pakistani officials.
The Saudi delegation visited the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) head office, where Gwadar Port Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch briefed its members on the port’s commercial potential, operational capabilities, strategic location and available investment opportunities.

The meeting reviewed the potential to develop Gwadar Port into an important regional hub for trade and cargo movement. The Saudi delegation showed particular interest in investment and cooperation in cargo handling, transit trade and transshipment.

Participants also discussed the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminals at Gwadar Port, including possible Saudi investment in their construction. Baloch told the delegation that Gwadar’s geographical location gave it significance for regional and international trade. He also highlighted the port’s potential to become a major centre for transit trade and transshipment in the region.

The Saudi delegation expressed particular interest in Gwadar’s geographical and commercial importance outside the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a potentially valuable location for cooperation in maritime trade and logistics.
During the meeting, Saudi-Pakistan Business Council Chairman Prince Mansour Al Saud accepted an invitation to visit Gwadar Port. The delegation said it would visit soon to assess the port’s commercial, operational and investment opportunities.

The participants also discussed ways to expand maritime trade, port services, investment in the energy sector and broader economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

No specific investment agreement, project cost or final investment amount was announced during the meeting.