KARACHI: A Chinese company is set to install a large-scale desalination plant in Karachi with a production capacity of 50 million gallons per day (MGD), a project expected to provide significant relief to the city’s long-standing water shortages.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon during a press conference in Karachi.
He said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project was signed during President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, marking part of a broader package of agreements aimed at expanding cooperation with Chinese investors.
According to the minister, a delegation of Chinese investors is expected to visit Pakistan next month to formally sign the agreement and advance implementation of the project.
Speaking later, he confirmed that the plant will convert seawater into approximately 50 million gallons of usable freshwater daily, helping address Karachi’s chronic water shortages, where many areas face supply disruptions lasting several days.
Memon noted that desalination projects require substantial investment due to high costs and advanced technology, but said the initiative represents a major step toward improving urban water supply infrastructure in the province.
He described the development as a significant diplomatic and economic milestone for Sindh and Pakistan, highlighting strengthened cooperation with China and acknowledgment of longstanding bilateral ties.
Beyond the water project, the senior minister also mentioned provincial efforts to provide relief to salaried citizens amid rising inflation, though he said details would be announced later once finalised.
On law and order, Memon referred to the ongoing anti-narcotics campaign in Sindh, stating that authorities have arrested a major drug dealer and suspended several officials for negligence. He reiterated that the provincial government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.
He urged political stakeholders, civil society, and law enforcement agencies to treat drug control as a national priority, describing narcotics as a serious social threat.
The minister also addressed concerns over misinformation circulating on social media, dismissing rumours about the health of President Asif Ali Zardari and confirming that the president is in good health and has travelled to China.
Commenting on digital regulation laws, he said the purpose of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act is to curb fake news and prevent the rapid spread of misinformation that could undermine public trust.
He further noted that no official announcement has been made regarding the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Story by Tahir Siddiqui
