KARACHI: The provincial administration of Sindh on Saturday announced the establishment of a special economic zone after the signing of a memorandum of understanding supported by Chinese authorities, projecting the initiative to transform Pakistan’s economy by attracting $3 billion in investment and creating over 100,000 jobs.
The announcement is part of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to enhance industrial development by setting up such economic zones. The first CPEC phase focused on infrastructure and energy projects, while the second phase emphasizes industrial collaboration between the two countries.
The Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is being developed under public-private partnership by the Sindh administration, is strategically located near Karachi’s ports, offering connectivity to regional trade routes to position it as a vital industrial hub.
“The Dhabeji SEZ is set to transform Pakistan’s economic landscape,” Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said, according to an official statement released after the MoU signing.
He added the project would stimulate industrial growth, reduce reliance on imports, boost exports and create a self-reliant and sustainable economy.
Special Assistant to the CM on Investment, Syed Qassim Naveed Qamar, also highlighted the SEZ’s transformative potential.
“This SEZ will create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, promote value-added industries and empower local communities through skills development.”
The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by members of the Sindh Cabinet, senior officials and other dignitaries.
Pakistan eyes $3 billion investment as Sindh announces China-backed special economic zone
https://arab.news/r8pp7
Pakistan eyes $3 billion investment as Sindh announces China-backed special economic zone
- CM Murad Ali Shah emphasizes its transformative potential amid hopes for over 100,000 jobs
- Dhabeji SEZ will be located near Karachi’s ports, offering connectivity to regional trade routes
Pakistan to release film next month to counter ‘negative propaganda’ by Indian flick Dhurandhar
- Dhurandhar, an Indian spy thriller released earlier this month, is set in Karachi’s impoverished Lyari neighborhood
- “Mera Layari” will showcase the true face of Lyari, one of peace and prosperity, says Sindh information minister
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will release a movie next month titled “Mera Layari” to counter the “negative propaganda” of a Karachi neighborhood by India’s latest flick “Dhurandhar,” Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Sunday.
Dhurandhar features leading Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as the male lead who portrays Hamza, an Indian spy on a perilous mission in Pakistan’s Karachi city. The film traces his battles against criminal networks and shadowy operatives in the context of the India-Pakistan tensions.
Most of the movie features portrayals of Karachi’s rough Lyari neighborhood, recognized as one of its most impoverished ones. Lyari has witnessed gang wars where criminal networks operated with impunity for several years.
“Indian movie Dhurandhar is yet another example of negative propaganda by the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari,” Memon wrote on social media platform X.
“Lyari is not violence— it is culture, peace, talent, and resilience. Next month Mera Lyari will release, showing the true face of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride.”
Mera Layari will feature actors Dananeer Mubeen, Samiya Mumtaz, Ayesha Omar and Adnan Shah Tipu in prominent roles, as per the flick’s poster.
Omar is also the film’s executive producer while it has been directed by filmmaker Abu Aleeha.
Earlier this week, a constitutional petition against Dhurandhar was also filed in a Karachi district and sessions court.
The petitioner, a supporter of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which is in power in Sindh, filed the petition for unauthorized use of late Benazir Bhutto, former PPP chairperson and Pakistani ex-prime minister., PPP flag and party rally footage.
