Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured MQM-P leaders of budget support for Karachi and Hyderabad projects during a meeting in Islamabad on Friday. The discussions focused on development funding, infrastructure upgrades, and key public projects. The outcome matters for millions of residents awaiting improved services and economic opportunities in Sindh’s urban centres.
During the meeting, the MQM-P requested a special development package for Sindh’s urban areas. Party leader Aminul Haque said the delegation sought Rs20 billion for Karachi projects and Rs5bn for Hyderabad. He added that the prime minister assured the party that sufficient allocations had been included in the federal budget.
The delegation also highlighted the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, commonly known as K-IV. According to Haque, the prime minister promised the release of required funds for the project. Furthermore, he said the government was taking all possible measures to complete the scheme by December 2026.
In addition, MQM-P leaders raised concerns about the M-9 route linking Karachi and Hyderabad. Haque said the premier believed the corridor should be treated as an expressway or highway rather than a motorway. The party also urged the federal government to develop a proper motorway connection between the two major cities.
Meanwhile, the meeting reviewed progress on the Main Line-1 railway project, including the Karachi-Rohri section. MQM-P leaders stressed that work should begin during the 2026-27 fiscal year. The half-hour meeting concluded with assurances from the prime minister and PML-N leadership to address the issues presented by the delegation.