CPEC board approves Karachi coastline plan

Karachi: The Federal Government, on Saturday, unveiled a plan to revamp Karachi’s coastal line under the aegis of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with $3.5 billion “direct Chinese investment”.

This plan has been labelled as a “game-changer” as it has the propensity to ascend Karachi to the top port cities of the world.

The Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ) — spread over 640 hectares or 1,581 acres on the western backwaters marshland of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) leading to reinvigorate oldest city slums Machhar Colony relocating its more than half a million population.

Ministry of Maritime Affairs is directly involved in this event and KCCDZ anticipates modernizing Karachi’s infrastructure.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan tweeted, “Inclusion of Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone in CPEC is game changer. Will cleanup our marine habitat for fishermen, develop 20k low income housing units & present opportunities for investors. Will put Khi at par with developed port cities. Well done @MaritimeGovPK.”

Inclusion of Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone in CPEC is game changer. Will cleanup our marine habitat for fishermen, develop 20k low income housing units & present opportunities for investors. Will put Khi at par with developed port cities
Well done @MaritimeGovPK

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 26, 2021