CM Murad Ali Shah hails public-private partnership in healthcare, reaffirms support for industrial growth
Chehra WebDesk
Speaking at KATI ceremony honouring Indus Hospital founder Dr Abdul Bari Khan, CM says infrastructure development, law and order, and quality healthcare remain key priorities of the Sindh Government
KARACHI Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accelerating industrial growth, strengthening infrastructure and creating a business-friendly environment, saying that strategic connectivity projects, improved law and order, and sustained public investment were laying the foundation for increased investment, employment generation and economic expansion across the province.
He said the integration of the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway with Karachi Port would be a transformative development for trade and industry, while emphasising that public service, transparency and people-centric governance remained the guiding principles of his administration.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing a ceremony organised by the Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) in honour of Dr Abdul Bari Khan, founder of the Indus Hospital Network, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the healthcare sector.
Upon his arrival at the KATI headquarters, the Chief Minister was warmly received by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, office-bearers and members of the association. The event was attended by Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, Government Spokesperson Nadir Gabol, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, industrialists, business leaders, senior officials and other distinguished guests.
Industrial development a top priority
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said it was always a pleasure to engage with the business community and acknowledged KATI’s constructive role in advising the government on development initiatives in industrial zones.
“It is an honour for me to be here today at KATI. Many development schemes in industrial areas have been completed through consultation and recommendations from KATI, and we highly value this partnership,” he said.
Murad Ali Shah reiterated that industrial development remains one of the foremost priorities of the Sindh Government. “Our objective is not merely to build roads and bridges but to create an enabling environment where industries can grow, investments can flourish, and employment opportunities can expand,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Taj Haider Bridge, Korangi Crossing Bridge and the Malir Expressway/Shaheed Bhutto Expressway, describing them as transformative projects that would significantly improve industrial connectivity and logistics.
“The linkage of the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway with Karachi Port will prove to be a game changer for trade and industry. Direct connectivity to the port will reduce transportation costs, improve travel efficiency and facilitate industrial and commercial activities across the city,” he said.
He assured industrialists that the provincial government would continue to invest in infrastructure improvements across all industrial zones despite fiscal constraints.
“Even in difficult financial circumstances, we have not allowed the pace of development to slow down. Funds will continue to be allocated for the improvement of industrial areas throughout Sindh,” he added.
Govt responded swiftly to security concerns
Referring to concerns previously raised by industrialists regarding law and order in Korangi Industrial Area, the Chief Minister said that his government had acted promptly.
“When KATI expressed concerns about security issues, we immediately established a dedicated task force comprising representatives of the administration, police and industrial community. Today, KATI itself acknowledges the positive impact of that initiative,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that maintaining peace and stability was essential for economic activity and investor confidence.
Partnership with Indus Hospital
Speaking about healthcare reforms, Murad Ali Shah recalled his first interaction with Dr Abdul Bari Khan. “Dr Abdul Bari Khan once came to meet me and invited me to visit the Indus Hospital. After witnessing the remarkable work being done there, we initiated a partnership that has since grown into one of the most successful public-private collaborations in the health sector,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that the Sindh Government is not merely a donor to the Indus Hospital Network but a genuine partner in expanding healthcare services. “We are working with sincerity and commitment alongside our development and healthcare partners. The positive outcomes of public-private collaboration are now reaching millions of people,” he said.
He noted that the government’s partnership with the Indus Hospital Network extends beyond Karachi and includes healthcare facilities in districts such as Badin and other underserved areas.
“Our objective is to ensure that quality healthcare services are available to every citizen, regardless of where they live,” he added.
Service to people brings peace of mind
Speaking candidly about public service, the Chief Minister said his commitment to serving the people remained his guiding principle. “I work with dedication, honesty and sincerity. Because I perform my responsibilities with a clear conscience and in the public interest, I sleep peacefully at night,” he remarked.
“Public service is my foremost priority, and I remain committed to fulfilling this responsibility with complete devotion.”
Karachi deserves a positive narrative
Murad Ali Shah also called for a more balanced and constructive discourse about Karachi.
“Karachi is my city, and I have a special affection for it. Like every major metropolis, it faces challenges, but the government is continuously working to address them,” he said.
The Chief Minister observed that development projects in Karachi often encounter unexpected obstacles because records and engineering drawings of many older underground installations are unavailable.
“During excavation work, previously undocumented utility lines and infrastructure frequently emerge, causing delays in development projects. These are technical challenges that require time and resources to resolve,” he explained.
He urged residents and stakeholders to avoid projecting an unnecessarily negative image of the city.
“Repeatedly speaking negatively about our own city creates a distorted perception internationally. We all share a responsibility to highlight Karachi’s strengths and contribute positively towards its development and reputation,” he said.
Tribute to Dr Abdul Bari Khan
The Chief Minister paid glowing tribute to Dr Abdul Bari Khan for his lifelong commitment to humanitarian service and healthcare.
“Dr Abdul Bari Khan’s contributions to public health are extraordinary. Through the Indus Hospital Network, he has transformed countless lives by providing quality healthcare services to those who need them most,” he said.
Murad Ali Shah praised the hospital’s commitment to delivering free and high-quality treatment and described its work as a model of compassion and excellence.
KATI Appreciates Government Support
Speaking on the occasion, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput thanked the Chief Minister for his continued support to the industrial sector and acknowledged the provincial government’s role in improving infrastructure in industrial areas.
He appreciated the construction of the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway, Korangi flyovers and the allocation of a special grant of Rs2 billion for development projects in industrial zones.
“The Chief Minister had earlier provided grants that enabled the construction of quality roads in industrial areas. With the new Rs2 billion grant, we plan to launch additional development projects that will further improve industrial infrastructure,” he said.
Rajput requested the construction of a three-kilometre loop road in the Korangi Crossing Education City area to facilitate educational institutions and surrounding communities.
Business community praises healthcare initiatives
Former KATI President Zubair Chhaya praised the Sindh Government’s contributions to healthcare, stating that partnerships with institutions such as Gambat Institute, NICVD, Jinnah Hospital, NICH and Indus Hospital had transformed healthcare delivery in the province.
“The collaboration between the Sindh Government and leading healthcare institutions has brought about a revolution in the health sector,” he said.
He also commended Dr Abdul Bari Khan for his selfless service to humanity and noted that law and order in Korangi Industrial Area had improved significantly due to coordinated efforts by the administration, police and KATI.
Indus Hospital’s growth driven by Sindh Govt partnership
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr Abdul Bari Khan thanked KATI and the Sindh Government for their continued support.
“Serving humanity through healthcare is a privilege and an honour for me,” he said.
He noted that the Indus Hospital Network now provides healthcare services not only in Sindh but also in Punjab and Balochistan.
“The Sindh Government is the largest partner of the Indus Hospital Network. Its support has enabled us to significantly expand our services and reach more patients across Pakistan,” he said.
Dr Abdul Bari Khan revealed that government support for the institution had increased from Rs300 million to Rs8 billion, allowing the network to broaden its healthcare footprint and improve access to quality medical services for millions of people.
The ceremony concluded with participants paying tribute to Dr Abdul Bari Khan’s outstanding services to healthcare and reaffirming the importance of collaboration between government, industry and social sector institutions in advancing public welfare and development across Sindh.
