Joblessness in Karachi: Industrial Corridors Proposed as Solution

Karachi is grappling with significant unemployment. To alleviate this issue, the government should prioritize the establishment of the Karachi-Hyderabad and Karachi-Keti Bander industrial corridors, according to Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor, speaking on Sunday.

Shakoor emphasized that industrial corridors serve as essential catalysts for both economic advancement and infrastructural enhancement. They foster large-scale industrial growth by delivering well-planned infrastructure, attracting investments from both domestic and international sources, thereby stimulating GDP and creating job opportunities. These corridors encourage cluster-based development, enabling industries to reap the advantages of close proximity.

According to Altaf Shakoor, these corridors encompass top-tier roads, rail systems, ports, and power infrastructure, which improve connectivity and foster the development of advanced urban centers, logistical hubs, and industrial zones. Furthermore, they alleviate congestion in major urban areas by promoting expansion in less developed regions.

New industries and infrastructure projects generate numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities, and bolster skills enhancement through vocational training centers. They also facilitate well-organized urbanization, averting uncontrolled city expansion.

Industrial corridors are conducive to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), fostering effectiveness and ingenuity. They establish policy frameworks and streamlined clearance processes, thereby simplifying business operations.

Shakoor urged the government to examine diverse industrial corridor models, particularly the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Karachi’s suitability for industrial corridors stems from its port access, established industrial foundation, and the availability of proficient labor, suppliers, and service providers. The city is already connected via national highways (N-5, Super Highway/M9) and railway networks.

The envisioned Karachi-Hyderabad Industrial Corridor would link existing industrial zones and cultivate new ones along the Super Highway (M-9). The proposed Karachi–Keti Bandar corridor aims to connect Thar’s coal deposits to a new seaport at Keti Bandar, complete with rail, power, and industrial infrastructure. This initiative has been under consideration within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework since 2016 and requires immediate implementation. This corridor would greatly enhance Karachi’s industrial environment.

This initiative has been formally acknowledged within CPEC and has undergone initial feasibility studies. What is now required is a firm commitment to execution, eco-friendly planning, and coordination between the private and public sectors to transform the project from concept to reality.