Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urges Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to ensure the timely completion of federal projects committed to being expedited in the province.
According to a statement from the CM House, the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief minister Murad Ali Shah discussed various ongoing federal projects in Sindh. CM Murad Ali Shah highlighted that with the support of donor agencies, the provincial government has initiated work on the BRT Red Line and Yellow Line projects. The Red Line project is progressing rapidly, while work on the Yellow Line is set to begin shortly. The CM emphasized that traffic issues in Karachi would be resolved with the commencement of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project.
PM Shehbaz Sharif assured CM Murad Ali Shah that the federal government is actively collaborating with Chinese authorities to prioritize KCR under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He confirmed that the project would soon be launched with Chinese assistance.
The leaders also addressed the rising cost of electricity, which has caused widespread concern. They agreed to convert all coal-fired power projects in Thar to utilize local coal, aiming to reduce production costs. PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized his government’s efforts to provide relief to the public by focusing on cheaper, indigenous energy sources, including coal and renewable energy.
CM Murad Ali Shah informed the prime minister of the provincial government’s plan to distribute 200,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS) to off-grid households and those using up to 100 units of electricity per month, easing their burden of power bills.
The K-IV water project was another topic of discussion. The CM noted that WAPDA is handling the canal and conduit work, while the provincial government is responsible for augmentation works. The prime minister pledged to urge WAPDA to expedite its work, while CM Murad Ali Shah confirmed that his government is preparing to start augmentation efforts to ensure simultaneous project completion.
CM Murad Ali Shah also updated the prime minister on the Hub Canal project, which aims to bring 200 MGD of water to Karachi’s West, Kiamari, and Central districts. The project involves overhauling the existing canal and constructing a new one. The prime minister praised this initiative.
Lastly, they discussed the laying of a 105-km railway line from Thar Coalfield to Chhor to facilitate coal transport for power plants and industrial units across the country.
