In a bold move to enhance infrastructure and public services, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired the 46th meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, where several exciting projects received the green light, including the upcoming 17-story NED Science and Technology Park.
During the meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, the board approved some game-changing initiatives, like a desalination plant to provide fresh water to DHA and nearby areas, the West Karachi Water Recycling Project-I for industrial estates, the six-lane Malir Expressway leading to the Kathore Interchange, and a hefty allocation of Rs2 billion for the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge.
NED Science & Technology Park
The CM revealed that the NED Science and Technology Park is being developed through a cool Government-to-Government (G2G) partnership with a Kuwaiti company. He confirmed that he has already set aside Rs1.7 billion from the provincial budget for this project. After an aeronautical study, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) gave the thumbs up in October 2024 for the park to rise up to 218.3 feet above ground level (AGL).
He also reassured everyone that any overhead water tanks, neon signs, antennas, or other rooftop features wouldn’t interfere with airplane safety. He directed the PPP Unit to finalize the Concession Agreement by the end of November 2024 and to start construction. The office spaces in the park will be leased out to tech companies, including big names, startups, and research teams. The infrastructure will feature an auditorium, creative workspaces, high-speed internet, research labs, tech incubators, cafes, and more.
Malir Expressway Project
The CM received updates on the six-lane Malir Expressway (MEW), which could lead to traffic jams at the two-lane Kathore Interchange. To address these potential problems, it’s crucial to rebuild, upgrade, and widen the Kathore Interchange so it can smoothly handle the increased traffic.