KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) leaders have sharply criticized the 2025-26 Federal and Sindh Budgets, accusing them of marginalizing Karachi's developmental requirements. In a joint statement, Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of the Businessmen Group, and Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, President of KCCI, expressed disappointment over the persistent exclusion of essential funds for Karachi and the broader Sindh region.
They specifically pointed out the insufficient funding for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, a critical infrastructure venture crucial for Sindh and Karachi's economic linkage. Despite the project's significant cost of over Rs400 billion, the federal budget allocates only Rs15 billion, demonstrating a lack of prioritization for Sindh's developmental needs. Karachi, as Pakistan's commercial hub, stands to gain considerably from the motorway's completion, making the shortfall particularly concerning.
The leaders also brought attention to the long-stalled K-IV Water Supply Project, crucial for Karachi's water supply. Despite high-level assurances, including from the Prime Minister, the federal allocation remains a mere Rs3.2 billion against the total requirement of Rs150 billion. This inadequate funding raises questions about the government's commitment to resolving Karachi's water shortages.
Reviewing the Sindh Budget, KCCI expressed further discontent, noting the provincial government’s failure to address Karachi's needs adequately. The provincial budget allocates only Rs100 million for the K-IV project and Rs15 billion for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, amounts deemed insufficient for meaningful progress. This marks the third year without new major development projects for Karachi, with just Rs8 billion allocated for ongoing projects that are progressing slowly.
KCCI leaders emphasized the critical nature of the K-IV project, highlighting the ongoing water wastage while Karachi residents and industries face severe shortages. They acknowledged the progress on the new canal from Hub Dam, urging the government to expedite its completion.
Recalling a promise of an additional 10 MGD water supply for the SITE Industrial Area, KCCI leaders noted the lack of fulfillment despite approved plans, leaving the industrial sector in uncertainty.
Motiwala and Bilwani stressed that the continuous underinvestment in Karachi threatens to deteriorate its infrastructure, worsen living conditions, and undermine business confidence. They highlighted Karachi's significant economic contribution, urging the governments to reconsider their funding priorities to reflect Karachi's importance to the national economy.
They called for a revision of budgetary allocations to ensure Karachi receives appropriate development funding, emphasizing that the city's neglect poses a broader threat to Pakistan's economic stability.