Ahmed Khan Malik

Sindh-based chambers of commerce and industry have sought the resolution of major infrastructure problems in industrial estates of the province, which have been hampering production operations as well as the economic productivity of the province as a whole.

Talking to WealthPK, business leaders said that apart from the infrastructure problems, the law and order situation, especially street crimes, has also become problematic for the industries. Practical solutions are needed for Sindh’s infrastructure, law and order, and ease of doing business issues, said Latif Mughal, Secretary of the Jamshoro Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He emphasized that whether it's large cities, small towns, industrial states, or highways, industrialists want development and uplift across the board. He said that industrial areas of Sindh are in dire need of infrastructure, water, gas, solid waste management, and law & order.

Despite their repeated appeals, he pointed out that the provincial government has not taken adequate steps to resolve these issues, leading to a worsening situation over the years. Additionally, he highlighted that beyond the infrastructure issues within the industrial estates, connectivity between various cities remains poor due to the deteriorating conditions of inter-city roads, with no improvement work in sight.  For instance, the Hyderabad – Sukkur Motorway has been delayed multiple times, which continues to hamper the economic, industrial and commercial development of these two important cities of Sindh.

“What is preventing the federal or provincial governments from allowing Sindh to benefit from the completion of this project?” he questioned.  Dilawar Rind, Vice President of the Cottage Industries Association Nawabshah, said that industries in the province are facing serious issues. He said that the industrial base is mainly limited to Karachi, while the industrialization in other parts of the province suffers from the government’s apathy. Nawabshah, being predominantly an agricultural district, has a small number of industries, especially cottage industries, which receive no facilitation from government departments.

He pointed out that while Nawabshah Airport is ready, it has yet to be operationalized by the Sindh government for unknown reasons. If operational, Nawabshah could witness a surge in new businesses, foreign and domestic investments, industrial units, and joint ventures with other Pakistani entrepreneurs. Additionally, many neighboring districts would also benefit economically, he added. Masood Siddiqui, an industrialist from Kotri Industrial Area, highlighted the lack of a sewage system for industrial effluents, which are currently being discharged into open drains and natural nullahs, eventually contaminating agricultural lands and irrigation canals.

To improve the situation, he stressed the need for oxidation plants and a comprehensive overhaul of the deteriorating infrastructure. Sindh, Pakistan's second-largest province by agricultural production, contributes 23 percent of the country's agricultural output. It holds significant potential for investment, particularly in value addition and foreign trade. Over 30 percent of the country's large-scale manufacturing units are located in Sindh.

Credit: INP-WealthPk