KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted the province’s significant progress in infrastructure, energy, innovation, and environmental
sustainability through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). On Tuesday, the government marked three major milestones in collaboration with EnerTech Holding Company, representing investments exceeding $740 million.
The events included the launch of the Commercial Operations Date (COD) for the Nabisar–Vajihar Water Supply Project, the signing of a concession agreement for the NED Science & Technology Park, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the TP-IV Wastewater Treatment Project. These developments took place at the CM House and were attended by provincial ministers, senior officials, diplomats, and representatives from EnerTech.
During the ceremony, CM Shah emphasized that these initiatives exemplify Sindh’s unwavering commitment to advancing infrastructure, ensuring energy security, fostering innovation, and promoting environmental responsibility through public-private collaborations. landmark Water Project to Power Thar Coal Plants**
Describing the Nabisar–Vajihar Water Supply Project as a historic achievement, Shah called it one of the largest and most intricate PPP schemes in the province’s history. The project aims to supply reliable and sustainable water to Thar’s coal-fired power plants, supporting 1,650 MW of electricity generation and reducing overall energy costs nationally.
With an investment of $215 million, the scheme will deliver 45 cusecs of water to Thar Block-I power units. Implemented through a government-to-government PPP involving Sindh and Kuwait, the project has attracted substantial foreign direct investment. Shah highlighted Thar’s vast coal reserves—ranked as the sixth-largest globally—and emphasized that, thanks to this project, Thar is now producing some of the cheapest electricity in the world.
He also pointed out that historically, water scarcity was a key challenge for Thar’s energy projects. “We consciously avoided using river water, which is already limited, and instead developed this innovative solution,” he explained. Despite global economic headwinds, the project successfully achieved COD, reflecting the dedication and professionalism of all stakeholders.
Shah praised EnerTech Water’s CEO, Abdullah Al Mutairi, for completing the project on time and saving over Rs7 billion, reaffirming the effectiveness of the PPP model in mobilizing private capital for vital infrastructure.
First-Ever PPP-Powered Science & Technology Park
Another milestone was the signing of the concession agreement for Pakistan’s first university-based science and technology park under the PPP model—located at NED University. Estimated to cost $125 million, the project aims to boost research commercialization, innovation, startup incubation, and academia-industry linkages. Shah emphasized that this initiative would position Sindh as a hub for the knowledge economy and generate high-value employment opportunities.
Despite facing regulatory hurdles in the past, Shah expressed confidence that the project was now ready for swift implementation. He urged EnerTech to expedite the process. Once operational, the park is expected to offer facilities comparable to Silicon Valley, enabling local engineers to pursue opportunities domestically instead of going abroad.
Karachi’s Wastewater Treatment Breakthrough
Shah also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, announcing the signing of the MoU for the TP-IV Wastewater Treatment Project, with an estimated cost of over $400 million. This project aims to fill a long-standing gap in Karachi’s wastewater management, ensuring environmentally compliant treatment and providing industrial-grade water to the city’s industries—an achievement previously unaccomplished at both provincial and federal levels.
The project, a joint effort between the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and EnerTech, is the largest of its kind in Karachi and promises to significantly improve wastewater handling and support industrial growth.
Expanding PPP Portfolio
Shah outlined that these projects are part of Sindh’s broader PPP strategy, which includes major road and infrastructure initiatives like the Hyderabad–Mirpurkhas Dual Carriageway, Karachi–Thatta Dual Carriageway, and the Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway. Some projects, such as the Hyderabad–Mirpurkhas road and the Sir Aga Khan Jhirk–Mulah Katyar Bridge, have already repaid their debts, with the Karachi–Thatta Dual Carriageway completing its repayment this year. The 12-kilometer Kashmore–Kandhkot Bridge on the Indus River is nearing completion and will benefit the entire region.
Connectivity has improved with the completion of the M-9 to N-5 Link Road, while the Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Shah also announced that the Port to Qayyumabad elevated corridor project would soon commence, promising to cut port traffic travel time and enhance operational efficiency.
EnerTech Lauds Sindh’s Vision and Support
In his address, EnerTech CEO Abdullah Al-Mutairi praised the Sindh government’s institutional support, noting that the timely completion of the Nabisar–Vajihar Water Supply Project was made possible through strong cooperation. He lauded Sindh’s PPP Unit as one of the best in the region and emphasized its role in driving socio-economic development through large-scale infrastructure projects.
-Mutairi underscored that the water supply to Thar’s coal projects would be instrumental in boosting power generation and regional development, calling it a “game changer” for energy and industry in the area. He paid tribute to CM Murad Ali Shah’s visionary leadership, which he credited with turning ambitious development plans into reality. Concluding, he reaffirmed EnerTech’s commitment to partnering with Sindh for sustainable, impactful infrastructure projects that benefit the province and the nation.
