Sindh unveils billion-dollar PPP growth agenda

Keti Bandar corridor, Karachi financial centre anchor investment-driven plan

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KARACHI:

The provincial government has unveiled an ambitious portfolio of next-generation public-private partnership (PPP) projects expected to attract tens of billions of rupees in investment. From a maritime economic corridor at Keti Bandar to a proposed international financial centre in Karachi, the initiatives form a key pillar of the government's long-term strategy to diversify the economy, create jobs and attract global capital.

Among the flagship proposals included in the 2026-27 budget is the Keti Bandar Maritime, Fisheries and Petroleum Economic Corridor, a large-scale development project expected to attract between $1 billion and $2.5 billion in investment. The proposed corridor will include a modern fishing harbour, seafood export processing facilities, logistics infrastructure, petroleum handling terminals and supporting industrial zones. Government estimates suggest the project will generate between 10,000 and 20,000 direct jobs, while creating employment opportunities for an additional 50,000 people through indirect economic activity.

Another major proposal is the establishment of the Sindh International Financial Centre (SIFC) on a 140-acre site along Shahrah-e-Bhutto in Karachi. The government expects the project to attract between $1.5 billion and $2 billion in real estate investment alone, while potentially unlocking an additional $20 billion to $25 billion in financial capital and investment flows.

Officials believe the financial centre could position Karachi as a regional financial services hub, attracting international investors and institutions while supporting infrastructure finance, Islamic banking and emerging investment sectors.

The budget also proposes the launch of the Green Energy Parks and Digital Infrastructure Initiative, aimed at strengthening Sindh's position in the rapidly growing technology and clean-energy sectors.

The initiative will focus on renewable energy generation, battery storage systems and the development of advanced data centre infrastructure. Officials expect the project to encourage investment in cloud computing, digital services, artificial intelligence infrastructure and other technology-driven industries.

In a bid to address environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities, the government has also proposed an Integrated Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery Programme. The project will focus on recycling, resource recovery, waste-to-energy solutions and scientifically managed waste disposal systems. The agriculture sector has also been included in the province's investment roadmap through a Farming Cluster Development and Farm Mechanisation Programme. The initiative aims to modernise agricultural production, improve storage infrastructure and strengthen farmers' access to markets through integrated value-chain development.

The government also plans to utilise strategically located state-owned land in Karachi under public-private partnership arrangements. Around 10 acres of government-owned land are expected to be developed through commercialisation and land development projects, with proceeds and investments directed toward public infrastructure development.