PM arrives in Karachi to implement Transformation Plan

Prime Minister Imran Khan has arrived in Karachi on a one-day visit. The Prime Minister will announce the transformation plan for Karachi today, under which the premier is expected to announce Rs802 billion worth of development projects.

On arrival in Karachi, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah received Prime Minister Imran Khan. Prime Minister Imran Khan is accompanied by Information Minister Senator Shibli Faraz and Member National Assembly Amir Mahmood Kayani.

Under the Prime Minister's visit to Karachi, six projects of mass transit systems have also been announced for the metropolis. These projects will cost over Rs 447 billion. The Karachi Circular Railway project worth Rs 300 billion is also included in the plan.

The Chinese government will provide Rs 250 billion for the Karachi Circular Railway, while the Sindh government will provide Rs 50 billion for the Karachi Circular Railway.

According to the document, 8 sewerage projects are estimated at Rs 162.60 billion, while 4 solid waste management projects will cost Rs 14.86 billion. The cost of two water drainage projects is Rs 4.70 billion.

Four road construction and repair projects have been estimated at Rs 62.30 billion.

Out of this program, Rs 47.18 billion has been spent last year, Rs. 31.99 billion has been allocated during the current financial year and Rs 523.25 billion will be required during the next five years.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the major cause behind problems in Karachi is the non-provision of powers to the grass root level. He was chairing a meeting to review the Karachi Transformation Plan in Islamabad on Thursday.

The PM said that the recent rains have badly affected the city and regretted that sewerage and other problems of the city were not resolved in the past.