Sindh outlines PPP project pipeline to draw major private investment

KARACHI: The Sindh government has set out a portfolio of public-private partnership projects in its 2026-27 budget, with plans spanning maritime development, finance, energy, digital infrastructure, waste management and agriculture.

According to the budget proposals, one of the main projects is the Keti Bandar Maritime, Fisheries and Petroleum Economic Corridor, which is expected to attract between $1 billion and $2.5 billion in investment. The proposed scheme includes a modern fishing harbour, seafood export processing facilities, logistics infrastructure, petroleum handling terminals and related industrial zones.

Government estimates put direct job creation from the Keti Bandar project at between 10,000 and 20,000 positions, with indirect economic activity expected to support another 50,000 employment opportunities.

Financial centre and technology plans

Another major proposal is the Sindh International Financial Centre, planned on a 140-acre site along Shahrah-e-Bhutto in Karachi. The government expects the project to bring in between $1.5 billion and $2 billion in real estate investment, while also potentially unlocking an additional $20 billion to $25 billion in financial capital and investment flows.

Officials believe the proposed financial centre could help position Karachi as a regional hub for financial services by attracting international investors and institutions, while also supporting infrastructure finance, Islamic banking and newer investment segments.

The budget also includes a Green Energy Parks and Digital Infrastructure Initiative. The proposed programme is aimed at expanding renewable power generation, battery storage systems and advanced data centre infrastructure. Officials expect it to encourage investment in cloud computing, digital services, artificial intelligence infrastructure and other technology-led industries.

Waste, agriculture and land development

As part of the investment roadmap, the provincial government has also proposed an Integrated Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery Programme. The plan is focused on recycling, resource recovery, waste-to-energy solutions and scientifically managed waste disposal systems.

The agriculture sector has been included through a Farming Cluster Development and Farm Mechanisation Programme, which is intended to modernise production, improve storage infrastructure and strengthen farmers’ access to markets through integrated value-chain development.

In Karachi, the government also plans to use strategically located state-owned land under public-private partnership arrangements. Around 10 acres of government-owned land are expected to be taken up for commercialisation and land development projects, with proceeds and investment intended for public infrastructure development.