KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while inaugurating the Sindh government’s near-completed mega project Shahrah-e-Bhutto in Karachi, announced three additional major development projects aimed at the sustainable development of Pakistan.
He also announced the construction of the country’s first modern port at Keti Bandar under a public-private partnership, the launch of the Sindh International Financial Centre, and the establishment of a special defence production zone in Karachi for domestic needs as well as exports. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also prayed for the success of diplomatic efforts by Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to end the Iran–Iraq war.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, he said that development in Karachi had historically taken place only under PPP governments, adding that projects completed since 2008 had no parallel in the city’s history. He said that if Karachi’s development from 1947 to 2008 was reviewed, most major works were carried out during PPP rule. Referring to projects such as Pakistan Steel Mills, Port Qasim, Shahrah-e-Faisal and the Lyari Expressway, he described them as achievements of PPP governments. He said Karachi had become the country’s most developed city and attracted people from across Pakistan. He further said Karachi was not only the commercial capital of Pakistan but also its healthcare hub.
Highlighting progress after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, he said institutions such as the Sindh Institute of Cardiology (formerly NICVD) had become world-class centres for free and quality treatment under provincial control. He rejected criticism from political opponents and urged them to observe the hospital’s condition before and after the amendment.
Bilawal said he entered politics to fulfil the mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, noting that she had announced special development packages for Karachi, including the Lyari Expressway and Malir Expressway projects. He said the completion of Shahrah-e-Bhutto was a matter of pride for the party and a fulfilment of her vision.
He added that the project had been completed under a public-private partnership model, which he said was also introduced in Pakistan by Benazir Bhutto. He acknowledged the economic difficulties facing the public and said the burden of regional and global conflicts, including the Iran war situation, was being felt worldwide. He warned that if the conflict situation was not resolved, economic challenges would worsen, and praised efforts aimed at achieving peace, including those of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Prime Minister and his team.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Sindh government had introduced relief measures such as the Kisan Card and the Peoples Motorcycle Fuel Subsidy Programme, and was planning further support for fishermen. He said limited resources constrained broader relief, but efforts were being made to create employment opportunities.
He said the PPP believed in delivering development through partnerships rather than burdening the budget, adding that new projects were being launched under public-private partnership arrangements. He announced the Keti Bandar port project in Thatta district, calling it a long-standing dream of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto that would transform the coastal districts of Thatta, Sujawal and Badin. He also announced the establishment of the Sindh International Financial Centre on the model of Dubai, aimed at making Karachi a major economic hub. He further said Karachi’s role in defence production would be expanded, noting growing international interest in Pakistani defence equipment.
Criticising political opponents, he said they had no contribution to Karachi’s development and urged them to stop “unjustified criticism” of PPP governance. He said such criticism or conspiracies would be resisted. He said democracy in Sindh was stronger than in others and defended the province’s local government system, contrasting it with other regions. He said despite criticism, PPP welcomed accountability and believed criticism was part of democracy. He stressed that political cooperation was needed instead of confrontation and said the PPP was ready to work with all stakeholders for the country’s development.
He pointed out that there is no local government system in Islamabad and Punjab, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Imran Khan also abolished the system after losing elections. He said that despite the absence of a local government system, no one is calling to “separate” or “liberate” Lahore. The PPP chairman further said that people would ask those who have remained federal ministers for life what they have done for Karachi despite being part of every government.
Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other provincial ministers, assembly members, and business and social figures attended the ceremony, where Bilawal Bhutto Zardari formally inaugurated the 39-kilometre signal-free Shahrah-e-Bhutto from Qayyumabad to the M-9 Motorway under the Local Government Department and Public-Private Partnership Unit.
