Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry (BQATI) represents 350 predominantly large and medium industries and businesses located at Bin Qasim Town of Karachi. The largest concentration of our members is situated at the Port Qasim Industrial Zone. BQATI would like to draw government's attention towards deteriorated condition of Mehran Highway which has become increasingly dangerous for people. An already deteriorated Mehran Highway has been badly battered by recent rains. This highway is extensively used by thousands of commuters travelling between Karachi city and Port Qasim/Pakistan Steel industrial zones. The following facts are directly contributing towards dangerous and poor conditions: numerous potholes which have become bigger and deeper; large broken patches have become dangerous; illegal U-turns; and absence of traffic police to regulate the flow of traffic.
This indeed affects our valued member industrialists, foreign investors, traders, foreign engineers and staff working at Port Qasim Industrial Zone. The situation is also creating health problems for local people and commuters travelling on the highway facing severe environmental hazards due to sewage water, dust and smoke of vehicles. Accidents are also taking place due to dangerous driving. BQATI would underscore the need for rebuilding Mehran Highway right from SESSI Hospital Chowrangi to Port Qasim as the future investment in Bin Qasim Industrial Zone is critically linked to the infrastructure development.
(The writer is President, BQATI Karachi)