'PM Imran looks to expand Karachi'

Prime Minister Imran Khan will announce projects for the expansion and restoration of the city, including a package of Rs100 billion to Rs150 billion to benefit the construction industry, during his visit to Karachi, revealed sources in the upper ranks of the federal government to The Express Tribune on Friday.

The disclosure came after the PM deferred his visit to the city on the day, when he was supposed to unveil the 'Karachi Transformation Plan.'

According to the sources, who requested anonymity, the projects under the plan would be completed within two to three years under the supervision of the Centre, the Sindh government and the Frontier Works Organisation.

Claiming that projects were planned so that they spanned the city from Surjani Town to Defence Housing Authority, they said that through these initiatives, the PM aimed for the metropolis to be counted as one of the best cities in the world.

"Under the projects, beaches will be transformed along international standards," said one senior member of the federal government. "Besides, a package of Rs100 billion to Rs150 billion is expected to be announced to launch mega-projects for facilitating the construction industry, in addition to the announcement for expanding and upgrading ongoing sewerage and water supply projects."

Speaking with regards to plans for the city's expansion, he said land would be identified in the surroundings of M9 Motorway, ahead of Surjani Town, and the Super Highway for the 'Pakistan Housing Scheme.'

According to sources, the ongoing anti-encroachment drive around nullahs in Karachi would be accelerated soon, while the Sindh government would provide alternative housing to displaced persons after the completion of the operation. The PM is also expected to announce the removal of encroachments from Karachi Circular Railway's land and initiatives for the intra-city railways' restoration.

A source said the PM would meet Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the city's traders and other political leaders on the visit. But if the visit is postponed again, the PM would address a meeting through video link from Islamabad, they added.