Can Karachi Transformation Package Change Megacity’s Fate?

KARACHI: Karachi has endured agony and faced negligence over the years. However, the Karachi Transformation Package (KTP) worth Rs 739 billion has resurrected hopes among the dwellers of the megacity. 

The promise of the Karachi package by Prime Minister Imran Khan to revive infrastructure has although not seen much significant progress beyond conversations and meetings. But, the designation of responsibilities and methods of funds’ procurement have been decided, News360 learned.

The Federal Minister for Development Asad Umar has been vehement recently about changing the face of Karachi.

Sources in the bureaucracy have confirmed that there has not been a single week when the federal cabinet has not held a meeting on projects planned for the megacity. The torrential rains in Karachi exposed its infrastructure of the largest and most populated city of Pakistan.

The damages have not been mend and a discernible change appears to be farsighted.

The dilapidated infrastructure of Karachi has caught the attention of the international media after the local media. Several international news outlets have highlighted the plight of Karachi’s transport and sewerage systems. However, the provincial and federal governments have restricted themselves to meetings only. So far, no significant progress has been made on the KTP.

Still, the locals of Karachi hope that the incumbent government.

Karachi Transformation Package includes the completion of several prolonged incomplete projects that have remained in negligence otherwise.

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News360 has obtained details of the Karachi Transformation Package. 

Under the plan, some Rs 739 billion will be injected by the government to uplift the megacity’s infrastructure.

The funding of the projects would be done under the Public Sector Development Program  (PSDP) as well as under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. 

The funds collected under the Supreme Court (SC) dam fund will also be utilized to uplift the financial business hub of Pakistan. However, permission in this regard would be sought from the apex court.

The financial experts believe that Sialkot and Karachi were the only two cities of Pakistan that could generate funds on their own and do not need external help.

Most of them opined that these cities only require resolution and commitment to get projects done.

The federal government plans to borrow from international monetary institutions to get support.

In case of rejection, the government would opt for pumping in money to keep projects in Karachi running.

As per the documents, National Disaster and Management Authority (NDMA) will also release Rs 7 billion for Karachi Transformation Package.

Moreover, a steering committee has also been formed under MNA Najeeb Haroon to oversee all affairs. 

Najeeb Haroon has vast experience in the construction sector and is an eminent figure in the field.

The recommendation of forming a monitoring and evaluation committee to keep a check on the speed of the projects is also under consideration.

Greater Karachi water supply scheme and the Green Bus mass transit system will also be completed under the transformation plan.

Pakistan Railways would finish off Karachi Circular Railway and Double Railway Line Fret Corridor while the encroachments along storm drains would be removed by the Sindh government.

The planning ministry officials said that Prime Minister Imran Khan takes a special interest in the provision of facilities to the people of Karachi.