ISLAMABAD: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said Bundal Island project off the coast of Karachi would attract $50 billion investment, which would benefit the country's overall economy.
Addressing a news conference along with Minister for Maritime Affairs, Ali Haider Zaidi Thursday, the governor Sindh said that the federal government would take all the stakeholders on board prior to initiating this eco-friendly project.
He said that a working group would be established consisting of representation of provincial and federal governments, and other relevant departments.
The governor Sindh said that Bundal Island was not a housing project that could be brought to Islamabad; it would remain a part of the Sindh province. He said that the Bundal Island would increase revenue of the Sindh government and it would also become a tourists' destination in the country.
He said that island to emerge as an even better project than Ravi Riverfront city. He said that the aim was to create two new cities there, settled on a comprehensive master plan, keeping in view, the increasing pollution problems.
He said that after the construction of the island, an estimated four to five million tourists were expected to visit, and all its revenue would go to the Sindh government. The project will generate investment worth billions, and create 150,000 jobs, he said.
Imran Ismail said that there should be no reservations regarding the project, along with the Sindh and federal governments, the local fishermen would also be on board as the project aims to boost the economy of Pakistan.
He said, "We wish to work with the Sindh government on this project. Any concerns of the Sindh chief minister will be addressed as this project cannot be completed without cooperation of the provincial government." Imran Ismail said he would hold a meeting with Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah and to address reservations of the Sindh government.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Maritime Affairs, Ali Haider Zaidi said that the area of Bundal Island was under the jurisdiction of Port Qasim Authority.
He said that "we are also sons of the soil of Sindh, the impression that the islands are being occupied by federal government is untrue."
He said Pakistan People's Party was trying to make it an issue, unnecessarily.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020