Ahmed Khan Malik

A new industrial zone is being developed in the Sarjani Town area of Karachi to promote industrialisation in the country. “Construction of the infrastructure and boundary wall of the zone, which is being developed on 200 acres of land, is underway,” said Tariq Rafi, Chief Engineer of Karachi Development Authority (KDA), the executing agency of the project. He said that industrial plots of 1,000 and 2,000 yards would be given to the investors, adding that it would be the only industrial zone in the county having a boundary wall.  He said that KDA had developed an industrial area in the city before it, but it was part of a residential area. “However, now the authority has turned its full focus on developing an industrial zone for economic growth and job creation.” “Karachi has many industrial areas and zones, contributing to the national economy,” Zahid Solangi, Director of Sindh Industries Directorate, said and added that the new industrial zone was being developed as part of the government’s efforts to promote industrialisation in the country. 

Sharing the details about the industrial areas of the city, he said that Karachi Port Trust Industrial Area was a small industrial zone occupying about two square-kilometre area and consisting of 20 units, including two large-size Karachi Shipyard and Engineering and Naval Dockyard. “Additionally, oil depots and oil processing plants, ghee, edible oil, pharmaceutical, chemical and motor vehicle assembling factories are also located in this area.”  Solangi said that the SITE industrial area was located about five kilometres northwest of the city centre, and spread over approximately 18 square-kilometre area. “In terms of industrial establishments, it is the largest industrial zone of the city with textiles, chemical, re-rolling mills, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and auto assembling plants being the main industries set up here.” Solangi said that the Korangi Industrial Area was established in 1960 and is located about 14km southeast of the city centre along the Malir River. “Its total area is about 34sq-km. The major industries in this area include tannery and leather products, textile, chemical, food and engineering.

Two large oil refineries are also located in this industrial area.”  He maintained that the Federal B Industrial Area was a small industrial zone occupying about 2sq-km land, and was located about 15km from the city centre. He said that it was mainly dominated by cottage industries. “It was originally established in 1960 by KDA on the peripheries of Karachi as part of the Federal B Area Housing Scheme, with two blocks (21 and 22) allocated for industries.” The director of the Sindh Industries Directorate said that Landhi Industrial Area, New Karachi Industrial Area and Karachi Export Processing Zone were all located on the outskirts of the mega city. “Landhi Industrial Area was established in 1958. It is located at a distance of 21km from the city centre. Its total area is about 5sq-km. There are 300 industrial units of different categories, mainly textiles, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and engineering.” He said that Bin Qasim Industrial Zone was one of the largest industrial areas in Karachi, consisting of more than 25,000 acres of land in the Port Qasim (Bin Qasim) Town area..

Credit: INP-WealthPk