Murad Ali Shah unveils Sindh International Financial Centre initiative in Budget 2026-27 to attract global investment and strengthen Karachi’s role in regional finance.
KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday announced the establishment of the Sindh International Financial Centre (SIFC), a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Karachi into a leading regional economic and commercial hub.
Presenting the Sindh Budget 2026-27, the chief minister said Karachi has historically served as Pakistan’s commercial and financial heart, hosting the country’s largest banks, capital markets, financial institutions and corporate headquarters. He noted that the city’s strategic position as Pakistan’s gateway to international trade and investment provides a strong foundation for becoming a world-class financial centre.
Murad Ali Shah said the Government of Sindh has initiated the process of establishing the Sindh International Financial Centre (SIFC) as a modern platform for investment, finance, innovation and dispute resolution. The project aims to create a comprehensive financial ecosystem capable of attracting both domestic and international investors.
According to the chief minister, the proposed SIFC will facilitate investment inflows, enhance investor confidence and support the mobilisation of capital for key sectors including infrastructure, energy, housing, technology, climate resilience and industrial development.
He stated that during the next fiscal year, the provincial government will undertake the necessary legal, regulatory and institutional groundwork required for the establishment of the financial centre. This process will involve extensive consultations with national and international stakeholders, financial institutions, investors and development partners.
The Sindh International Financial Centre is expected to position Karachi as a regional hub for infrastructure finance, Islamic finance, climate finance, financial technology (FinTech) and international commercial services. The initiative reflects the government’s broader vision of integrating Sindh more closely with global financial markets and investment networks.
To strengthen the business environment, the government will also explore the establishment of modern commercial courts, international arbitration centres and mediation facilities. These measures are intended to provide faster dispute resolution, greater certainty in commercial transactions and improved investor protection.
Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the SIFC would help attract global capital, create high-value employment opportunities and enhance Karachi’s competitiveness in the regional economy. He added that the project would further reinforce Sindh’s role as a gateway for investment and economic growth in Pakistan and beyond.
The chief minister said the Sindh government will work closely with the federal government and relevant national institutions to develop a supportive legal and regulatory framework. Planned measures include streamlined investor onboarding procedures, visa facilitation, simplified licensing processes, efficient regulatory approvals and competitive investment incentives.
In addition, mechanisms will be introduced to facilitate cross-border capital flows and improve ease of doing business for international investors seeking opportunities in Pakistan.
The government has already identified three potential locations within Karachi’s commercial corridor for the proposed financial centre. These sites offer strong connectivity to Jinnah International Airport, the M-9 Motorway and the city’s major business districts. The final location will be selected following a detailed feasibility assessment.
Funds have been allocated in the Sindh Budget 2026-27 for the preparation of an internationally bankable feasibility study and implementation framework, marking a significant step towards turning the vision into reality.
Describing the initiative as more than just an infrastructure development project, Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh International Financial Centre represents a strategic effort to position Karachi among the emerging financial centres of the region. He added that the project would deepen financial markets, attract foreign investment and create new economic opportunities for future generations.
The chief minister concluded by stating that the SIFC reflects Sindh’s ambition to connect with global capital, innovation and opportunity while driving sustainable economic growth and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the regional financial landscape.
