Karachi: Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce, Jam Ikramullah Khan Dharejo, has pledged to lead a delegation to Islamabad next week to advocate for the release of long-pending funds under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the SITE area. This initiative is aimed at constructing about 49 roads to enhance infrastructure in the industrial sector of Karachi.
According to S.I.T.E Association of Industry, during his visit to the SITE Association of Industry where he served as the Chief Guest, Dharejo announced his commitment to addressing several pressing issues affecting the local industry. Accompanied by Secretary Industries Sindh, Muhammad Yaseen Shar Baloch, and Managing Director of SITE Limited, Ghazanfar Ali Qadri, the Minister assured full cooperation in setting up a SITE Development and Management Company, modeled after successful industrial management companies in other areas of Karachi.
During the visit, the Minister also addressed the need for rigorous action against encroachments in the SITE area and has directed the managing director of SITE Limited to initiate measures against such infringements. Moreover, the ongoing issues related to water scarcity and sub-soil licenses were also discussed, with plans to convene a meeting involving the Mayor of Karachi to seek comprehensive solutions.
The minister emphasized the importance of modernizing operations by mandating the completion of e-services within a week and supported the idea of utilizing an escrow account for the repair of infrastructure leakages by SITE Limited. Discussions about enhancing local law and order, including a proposed meeting with the Police Chief to discuss security issues in the SITE area, are also on the agenda.
In response to concerns raised by the SITE Association’s President, Muhammad Kamran Arbi, and other members about road conditions and infrastructure challenges, Dharejo confirmed that the PSDP schemes and other projects funded through the Infrastructure Development Cess, totaling PKR 2 billion, are priorities for resolution.
The meeting highlighted the critical role of SITE in Karachi’s industrial output and its broader impact on the national economy. The assembly underscored the urgency of addressing the infrastructural and operational challenges to prevent further industrial decline, particularly in the textile sector, as pointed out by Zubair Motiwala, Patron-in-Chief of the SITE Association.