Karachi, October 24, 2025 – The Sindh Government has announced plans to update Karachi’s urban development blueprint, unveiling the Greater Karachi Regional Master Plan 2047 to address the city’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and population challenges. Director General of Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Asif Jan Siddiqui, emphasized that the city has changed significantly since the last master plan was formulated in 2020, making a comprehensive update essential to guide development priorities and future infrastructure projects.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), DG Siddiqui revealed that foreign consultants are being engaged to develop the master plan, which will serve as a strategic roadmap for Karachi’s growth through 2047. He noted that all key stakeholders, including the KCCI, have been actively involved in the process, with representation in two of the most critical committees under the new plan.
The meeting highlighted KDA’s financial constraints, with a monthly government grant of Rs. 40 crore falling short of salary obligations amounting to Rs. 53 crore. Projects such as underpasses, overhead bridges, and other infrastructure developments are reliant on Sindh Government funding, limiting KDA’s independent operational capacity.
Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Group (BMG), Jawed Bilwani, stressed the urgent need to tackle encroachment on KDA plots and revitalize the Traffic Engineering Bureau, citing worsening congestion and dysfunctional traffic signals. Bilwani expressed optimism over DG Siddiqui’s appointment, citing his proven track record and commitment to city development.
KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif and Nusair Siraj Teli, Chair of the Subcommittee on Upliftment of Karachi, highlighted the city’s critical housing shortage and called for large-scale development schemes. They underscored Karachi’s unmatched economic contribution, generating 67% of the national exchequer, over 90% of provincial revenue, and nearly 52% of Pakistan’s exports, yet facing chronic neglect.
Both business leaders and KDA officials agreed that while the Greater Karachi Regional Master Plan 2047 is being prepared, immediate action is essential to restore Karachi’s infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth, reinforcing the city’s status as Pakistan’s economic heartbeat.