World Bank Supports Karachi Master Plan for Sustainable Growth
Karachi, September 16, 2025 — The Sindh government, in partnership with the World Bank, has announced the launch of a Karachi Master Plan to address the city’s decades-long urban challenges. This initiative is expected to reshape Pakistan’s largest metropolis, ensuring better infrastructure, improved services, and sustainable urban growth for millions of residents.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah shared the announcement while visiting Mazar-e-Quaid on the 77th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He emphasized that Karachi’s rapid, unplanned expansion has put immense pressure on transport, utilities, housing, and basic services. The new Karachi Master Plan will create a structured roadmap to overcome these issues and prepare the city for future growth.
Core Objectives of the Karachi Master Plan
The comprehensive plan will cover several critical aspects of the city’s development:
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Transport Infrastructure: Expanding road networks and enhancing public transport to reduce congestion.
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Water and Drainage Systems: Providing a reliable water supply and efficient sewage management to address long-standing shortages and flooding risks.
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Power Supply: Ensuring a stable electricity network to reduce outages and support industrial activity.
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Waste Management: Introducing modern systems for garbage collection and recycling to improve hygiene and urban cleanliness.
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Urban Services: Strengthening essential civic facilities, including housing, healthcare, and recreational spaces.
Shah noted that informal settlements, particularly along the Lyari River, will be included in the plan. He stressed that the government aims to balance development with compassion, ensuring that vulnerable residents are not displaced without proper support.
Ongoing Mega Projects
The Chief Minister highlighted that major development projects are already underway alongside the Karachi Master Plan. A prime example is the Shahrah-e-Bhutto highway project, a 39-kilometre corridor that will link Qayyumabad to the M-9 Motorway. Of this stretch, 37 km and a 2-km link road are under active construction, with 15 km already open to traffic.
Water pressure issues along this highway have been resolved with the construction of retaining walls. The Rs 52 billion project is being executed under a public-private partnership model, involving contributions from developers, engineers, and financial experts.
A Roadmap for Karachi’s Future
The Karachi Master Plan is more than just an infrastructure blueprint — it represents a long-term vision for a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive city. With the World Bank’s financial and technical backing, the Sindh government aims to transform Karachi into a hub of opportunity where urban growth is managed responsibly and communities are protected.
Shah concluded that this master plan is central to restoring Karachi’s role as Pakistan’s economic engine and positioning it for sustainable prosperity in the decades to come.
Shahnawaz Yaqub Bhatti
Investment Consultant and CEO at Imlaak
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