Karachi, Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), has called for the development of more creek ports along the delta area of the River Indus, aiming to enhance trade and commerce in the region.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor emphasized the potential of the River Indus, which has 17 major creeks, to significantly boost the economy through the development of additional ports, particularly smaller ones, from Karachi to Keti Bunder. He pointed out that historically significant ports like Kotri and Keti Bunder have been neglected. The establishment of industrial corridors between Karachi-Hyderabad and Karachi-Keti Bunder was also proposed as a solution to end poverty and joblessness in Sindh and to invigorate the economy and industry.

Shakoor proposed the formation of a creek ports development authority under the Sindh Infrastructure Finance Corporation (SIFC) to tap into this overlooked source of economic growth. He noted that the River Indus was once a primary trade route, but its significance has diminished following the construction of dams. However, he believes that river and creek ports still hold substantial potential to stimulate the economy, improve communication, and boost tourism.

The PDP Chairman linked the upgrading of transportation infrastructure, including road, rail, river, and sea routes, directly to economic development and poverty reduction. He urged the government to focus on this sector to improve the lives of the impoverished masses and emphasized that resource mobilization should be a key aspect of government policies to ensure maximum job creation.

Shakoor highlighted the strategic importance of Karachi and the Indus Delta area, asserting that the development of new creek and river ports, as well as fishing jetties, could transform the socio-economic landscape of the region. He called for a shift in governmental priorities, advocating for the allocation of resources towards pro-poor projects rather than catering to the elite class.