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KARACHI, Oct 15 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired the 48th PPP Policy Board meeting and approved the development of a Model Aquaculture Park along the coastal belt, as well as the Nabisar-Vajihar Water Supply Project.
The meeting held at CM House was attended by Provincial Home Minister Zia Lanjar, Special Assistant to CM Syed Qasim Naveed, MPA Qasim Soomro, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, SMBR Khalid Hyder Shah, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Chairman SRB Dr Wasif Memon, Secretary Transport/DG PPP Unit Asad Zamin and other Board members.
The Board discussed the establishment of the proposed Aquaculture Park, which will be developed by the SEZ Management Company (SEZMC) on transferred land in the Thatta district’s coastal area. Planned facilities for the park include earthen ponds, hatcheries, seafood processing units, green energy solutions, and export linkages to international markets. Expected benefits are increased exports, sustainable and compliant farming, stable domestic production, job creation, rural development, and technology transfer.
The Chief Minister emphasised transforming Sindh into an export-oriented aquaculture hub. With global aquaculture reaching 223 million tonnes in 2022 and Pakistan’s fish demand forecast to nearly triple by 2030, Sindh’s largely untapped sector, with its 350 km coastline and 71 per cent of the country’s marine resources, offers immense growth potential.
The Board also approved PDF funding to hire advisors for evaluating project feasibility and structuring. The Chief Minister said these initiatives would boost exports, unlock Sindh’s blue economy, and empower coastal communities through sustainable aquaculture.
Nabisar–Vajihar Water Supply Project: On the Nabisar–Vajihar Water Supply Project, the Board was briefed on progress under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The scheme aims to provide 45 cusecs of water to Thar Block-I power plants, with construction well underway and expected commercial operation by October 2025. Significant cost savings have been achieved due to stable exchange rates and reduced financing costs, ensuring the project remains on budget.
The Board commended Sindh government officials and the project concessionaire for maintaining steady progress and adhering to timelines. To support long-term sustainability, the Chief Minister established a technical committee to explore improved water management solutions for the Hakro River area.
The Board also endorsed the updated construction timeline, reaffirming its commitment to delivering reliable water infrastructure critical for Thar’s power generation and Sindh’s energy security.