Sindh CM and IFC Regional Director Collaborate to Enhance IT Sector

KARACHI - In a significant move to enhance the Information Technology (IT) sector in Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met with Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Director for Pakistan and the Middle East. The meeting focused on collaboration to promote and establish a robust IT industry in the province, alongside a water sector project aimed at providing clean drinking water to Karachi's residents.

During the meeting, which also included key officials such as the Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and the Chairman of the Planning and Development (P&D) Najam Shah, the Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to developing the IT industry. He stated that efforts are underway to establish IT Parks, which will serve as hubs for innovation and job creation. To further this initiative, IT courses have been introduced in three universities: NED Karachi, Mehran University Jamshoro, and IBA Sukkur, offering certification to 10,000 youth.

Khawaja Aftab Ahmed highlighted the vast potential for the IT sector in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, noting that it could create numerous job opportunities and generate foreign exchange. The discussions led to an agreement to focus on designing, packaging, and assembling within the IT sector, with the establishment of the NED University IT Park being a crucial step towards achieving these goals.

In addition to the IT initiatives, the IFC is collaborating with the Sindh government to develop a public-private partnership project aimed at providing clean drinking water to nearly one million people in Karachi. This project is vital for improving the quality of life for residents in the city.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed the P&D department to expedite the construction of the Malir Expressway, which is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in Karachi. The first phase of this expressway is set to be opened for traffic by the end of next month. The CM noted that Karachi, being the largest city in Pakistan, has the potential to attract people from across the country by offering jobs, business opportunities, and housing facilities. However, the rapid population growth has led to increased vehicular traffic, resulting in congestion and environmental pollution.

The Malir Expressway project aims to provide a shorter alternate route connecting the Motorway and Super Highway with the city center. The expressway will span 50 kilometers, featuring six lanes, three bridges, and one underpass. Currently, the first segment of the expressway, from Jam Sadiq Bridge to Quaidabad, has achieved 85 percent completion, while the second segment is 35 percent complete.

The collaboration between the Sindh government and the IFC marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the IT industry and addressing critical infrastructure needs in Karachi. As these projects progress, they hold the promise of not only creating job opportunities but also improving the overall quality of life for the residents of this bustling metropolis. The commitment to developing both the IT sector and essential services like clean drinking water reflects a forward-thinking approach that could set a precedent for future initiatives in the region.