Sindh CM Inaugurates Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Highway: A Milestone for Karachi’s Future
Karachi Web Desk – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has declared the newly inaugurated Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Highway a revolutionary step toward modernizing Karachi’s infrastructure. Speaking at the grand opening ceremony, hosted by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Shah emphasized that the highway is more than a mere project—it’s the embodiment of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s visionary leadership.
The initiative traces its roots to the 1994 Karachi Package, introduced by Benazir Bhutto to address the city’s burgeoning traffic and infrastructural challenges. “The highway is a lifeline for Karachi, symbolizing hope, progress, and a brighter future for Sindh,” Shah remarked.
Key Highlights of the Ceremony
The event was attended by former Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, provincial ministers, and local representatives.
The 9.1-kilometer section of the highway, stretching from Qayyumabad to the Shah Faisal Interchange, was inaugurated as a transformative urban development. Shah emphasized its significance as part of a broader 38.75-kilometer expressway project set for completion by 2025.
Revolutionizing Karachi’s Connectivity
The Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Highway is designed to offer:
- Significant Time Savings: Reducing travel time from an hour to just 25 minutes.
- Decongestion: Serving as an alternative to Shahrah-e-Faisal, easing traffic bottlenecks.
- Improved Trade and Logistics: Connecting industrial zones to key city hubs and the Karachi Port Trust.
Shah highlighted the public-private partnership (PPP) model that financed the highway, with the Sindh government contributing ₹31.3 billion of the total ₹54.7 billion cost.
A Legacy of Transformative Projects
CM Shah reaffirmed the Sindh government’s dedication to infrastructural development, referencing landmark projects such as:
- Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas Dual Carriageway
- Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge (Sindh’s longest river bridge)
- Nabisar-Vajihar Waterworks for Thar Block-I IPPs
He also announced upcoming developments, including:
- Construction of Shaheed Bhutto Highway Zero Point, connecting Karachi Port to Korangi.
- Provision of an additional 400 million gallons per day of water to Karachi to meet the city’s growing needs.
A Vision for Karachi’s Future
Murad Ali Shah assured Karachi’s citizens of the government’s unwavering commitment to completing these projects ahead of schedule under the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “Together, we aim to make Karachi a city that inspires the nation and sets an example for urban development.”
The Chief Minister concluded by inviting local investors to participate in the province’s transformative projects, reiterating the government’s dedication to sustainable urban growth.
Impact on Citizens
The Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Highway is more than a road—it’s a promise of a modern, efficient Karachi that prioritizes the well-being of its residents while fostering economic growth.
