KARACHI: The rapid deterioration of Karachi's infrastructure is emerging as a significant threat to the city's economy, according to Pasban Democratic Party Chairman Altaf Shakoor. Shakoor highlighted the increasing costs imposed on businesses, workers, and commuters, which are undermining the competitiveness of Pakistan's major commercial and industrial hub.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Karachi is pivotal to Pakistan's economic activity, managing the majority of its international trade and providing livelihoods for millions. However, the infrastructure that supports this economic activity is struggling to keep pace with the demands of a growing metropolis. Shakoor pointed out that issues such as broken roads, traffic congestion, inadequate drainage, and unreliable public transport are more than urban inconveniences; they are economic problems impacting productivity and investment.

Shakoor emphasized that delays in traffic and goods movement increase transportation costs and disrupt supply chains, while poor road conditions lead to higher fuel consumption and vehicle wear. He noted that these challenges are particularly hard on small and medium-sized businesses, which operate on thin margins and cannot easily absorb additional costs.

The PDP Chairman also discussed the negative impact on the quality of human capital, as workers and students face commuting challenges that affect productivity and education. Shakoor called for the government to view Karachi's infrastructure as interconnected components of the city's economic framework and to establish clear governance responsibilities among federal, provincial, and local authorities.

Shakoor advocated for leveraging modern technology in infrastructure management and emphasized the need for a cultural shift towards preventive maintenance. He warned that failing to address these issues would result in broader economic consequences, including higher prices, reduced investment, and slower economic growth.

The future of Karachi's economy, Shakoor concluded, hinges on not only attracting new investment but also preserving existing economic activities. A functional Karachi is essential for a stronger Sindh and Pakistan.