KARACHI: A delegation of Chinese investors met Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Thursday to discuss investment opportunities in Karachi and across Sindh, with talks focusing on modern firefighting systems, water-related projects and the possible establishment of a desalination plant in Karachi. The minister said the Sindh government was committed to supporting foreign investors and using advanced technology to improve public services and urban infrastructure.
Water and safety top agenda
The meeting brought together key city and provincial officials, including Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Investment Qasim Naveed Qamar, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Local Government Secretary Wasim Shamshad, the CEO of the Water Corporation and other relevant officers. According to the discussion, the Chinese investors showed keen interest in cooperation across modern technology, machinery and urban infrastructure development projects, while the Sindh government highlighted pressing needs in firefighting and water supply.
Firefighting systems for Karachi
Speaking at the meeting, Nasir Hussain Shah said modern and effective firefighting systems were essential to protect citizens’ lives and property. He said the provincial government wanted to equip Rescue 1122 and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation with modern firefighting systems, equipment and machinery so emergency teams could respond immediately and effectively. He added that better firefighting facilities would help reduce casualties and protect valuable property and urban infrastructure during fire incidents.
Water supply pressures and new projects
The CEO of the Water Corporation briefed the meeting on the corporation’s requirements, the existing water supply system and ongoing projects aimed at improving water availability in Karachi. Nasir Hussain Shah said special attention was being given to new and sustainable water projects in view of Karachi’s growing population and increasing water needs. He said the government was encouraging modern technology and private-sector cooperation to find long-term solutions to the city’s urban challenges.
| Project / Sector | Discussion Focus |
|---|---|
| Firefighting systems | Modern equipment and machinery for Rescue 1122 and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation |
| Water-related projects | Improving water availability in Karachi through ongoing and new projects |
| Desalination plant | Possible investment in a plant to convert seawater into usable water |
| Urban infrastructure | Technology transfer and cooperation in development projects |
Desalination seen as long-term option
The minister said Chinese investors had also expressed interest in investing in a desalination plant in Karachi, which he described as an important development for meeting the city’s growing water requirements. He said desalination projects could help address shortages by converting seawater into usable water and could strengthen Karachi’s water supply system in the future.
Foreign investment push
The meeting also covered the need to create a conducive environment for foreign investors, along with technology transfer, urban infrastructure development and cooperation on different projects. Nasir Hussain Shah said the Sindh government would provide all possible facilities and cooperation to foreign investors and would continue encouraging investment in projects aimed at improving public services while modernising Karachi’s infrastructure through advanced technology and international experience.
