Ahmed Khan Malik

Several development projects aimed at boosting small industries and creating employment opportunities in Sindh have been facing delays due to red-tapism in Sindh Small Industries Corporation (SSIC). SSIC was established to support and advance small- and medium-scale enterprises across the province. Numerous industrial estate projects and entrepreneurship schemes under the SSIC have been delayed because of procedural hurdles, lack of inter-departmental coordination, and prolonged approval cycles.

These inefficiencies have caused setbacks in the implementation of new small industrial estates, expansion of existing zones, and disbursement of funds to small entrepreneurs. One of the key functions of the SSIC is to provide infrastructure, technical support, and financing opportunities to small industrial units. However, the internal bureaucracy — marked by excessive paperwork, outdated procedures, and overlapping jurisdictions — has hindered the swift execution of these initiatives.

Sources in SSIC acknowledged that files often remain pending for months awaiting multiple clearances. In some cases, approval for land allotment or utility connections for small industrial plots has taken years. This administrative red-tape not only delays the completion of projects but also increases costs for both the government and private investors. Entrepreneurs seeking assistance from the corporation have expressed concern that the cumbersome approval process and lack of timely decision-making discourage new entrants.

Many small business owners who applied for plots or financing under development schemes long ago are still waiting for responses or are grappling with unclear communication regarding project timelines. Several ongoing projects, including the establishment of new small industrial estates in districts such as Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas, have been affected by these delays. The slow pace of work has resulted in underutilised land, incomplete infrastructure, and limited progress on providing facilities like electricity, water, and roads.

Experts believe that the issue stems not only from bureaucratic procedures but also from outdated management systems within the corporation. “A lack of digitalisation, weak monitoring mechanisms and insufficient accountability have compounded the problem. As a result, Sindh’s small industrial sector — despite its potential —has been unable to achieve the level of growth seen in other provinces,” Nadeem Jafari, an SMEs expert in Karachi, told Wealth Pakistan.

He said that the delays have a direct impact on small entrepreneurs, who often depend on timely government support to start or expand their businesses. “Many small-scale manufacturers, craftsmen, and traders rely on SSIC’s schemes for access to land, credit, and training facilities. When projects stall, these entrepreneurs lose valuable opportunities to generate income and employment,” Jafari said. He called for comprehensive reforms to overcome red-tape and improve project delivery.

Jafari recommended the introduction of e-governance systems, online application tracking, and a single-window operation to simplify approvals and ensure transparency. “Moreover, greater accountability and performance evaluation mechanisms are needed to ensure that projects are implemented on time and within budget,” he underscored.

Credit: INP-WealthPk