Karachi, The Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor has called for the development of more ports in Sindh to promote trade and boost the regional economy. The statement emphasizes the importance of utilizing the Indus River and its channels to improve transportation and trade.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor highlighted the need for establishing a Creek Ports Development Authority under the Sindh Infrastructure Finance Corporation (SIFC). He pointed out that while Qasim port has been developed on one of the Indus River’s creeks, there is significant potential for additional port development from Karachi to Katy Bandar. He mentioned that historically, Kotri was a major river port in Sindh, and Keti Bandar, an important but neglected port, could play a crucial role in the region’s economic development.

Shakoor urged the establishment of the Karachi-Hyderabad and Karachi-Katibandar Industrial Corridors to combat poverty and unemployment in Sindh. He emphasized the strategic importance of Karachi and the Indus Delta region, advocating for the development of new creek and river ports, as well as fishing jetties, to transform the socio-economic landscape of the area.

The PDP Chairman criticized the current allocation of resources, stating that the government should prioritize the needs of the poor instead of benefiting the elite. He argued for a change in priorities, with a focus on upgrading road, rail, river, and sea transportation to directly link to economic growth and poverty reduction.

Shakoor also pointed out that the Indus River was once a major trade route, but its significance declined after the construction of dams. However, he believes that river and creek ports still hold immense potential for boosting the economy, communication, and tourism. The government, he said, should pay more attention to this sector to better the lives of the poor and ensure maximum employment opportunities.