Federal Govt Announces Special Package for Karachi in Budget 2018-19

In his budget speech, Federal Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail announced a special package for Karachi. He offered Sindh Government to purchase buses for the Green line Rapid Bus Transport. Delivering the budget speech, Miftah Ismail stated that Karachi is the commercial and trading hub of Pakistan and has a major contribution to the country’s revenue base. The Lahore and Multan metros were built by provincial funds, however, the Green Line Rapid Transit System in Karachi is being funded by the Federal Government. In the current financial year, Rs. 16 billion have been spent on this project. “The road and bridges are ready, but the provincial government has not yet been able to issue the contract for procurement of buses. On behalf of the Federal government, I am today offering that if Sindh government is unable to get buses for Karachi, the Federal Government will do so,” Miftah Ismail offered. ALSO READ National Incubation Center Karachi to Begin Operations in May To address the Karachi water crisis, Finance Minister announced a new scheme of seawater desalination plant. This plant will be built by the private sector and will supply 50 million gallons of water a day. Miftah Ismail said that the Prime Minister announced Karachi Package worth of Rs. 25 billion. This package includes three projects covering roads and flyovers and up-gradation of firefighting system. Rs.3.0 billion has been earmarked during the current financial year. An allocation of Rs.5 billion has been proposed in the PSDP-2018-19. “On my personal request, the Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has provided funds for expansion of Karachi Expo Centre,” Miftah added. On the Karachi package, Ayaz Sadiq pointed out that Miftah Ismail is contesting election from Karachi and this package will help him as well. Former President Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Siraj Qasim Tali welcomed the special announcement for Karachi city. “At this time, Karachi City is facing a political vacuum, and every party is trying to please the people of Karachi. We pray to Allah that this vacuum continues in years to come so political leadership focuses on Karachi, “ Siraj Tali stated.