KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday ordered removal of all administrative and technical hurdles delaying the 2.7 km common corridor of the World Bank-sponsored K-IV augmentation project, setting August as the target for completion.

In a meeting with World Bank Country Director Bolorma Amgabazar, the CM instructed Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab to fast-track work on the common corridor, which serves as the point where multiple K-IV trunk lines converge before entering Karachi’s main distribution network.

The ongoing work on the Phase-I of the project, including the 2.7 km common corridor with 72-inch and 96-inch pipelines, is part of the infrastructure required to add 260 million gallons per day (MGD) to Karachi’s supply system.

According to a statement issued by the CM House, the chief minister termed K-IV augmentation “critical for securing Karachi’s future water needs”.

CM asks local govt officials to complete K-IV’s common corridor by August

To enforce accountability, he announced that review meetings on K-IV augmentation and other strategic water projects would now be held every 15 days.

Mr Shah said that efficient water management and transparent governance were essential for the city’s growing population.

The meeting was informed that work on the 2.7 km stretch resumed on April 16 and laying of the 72-inch diameter mild steel pipeline was currently underway.

The CM and the WB official decided to hold fortnightly review meetings to closely monitor progress and resolve bottlenecks so that projects could be completed on time.

The meeting also reviewed progress on Karachi water supply and infrastructure projects, including water metering, civic works in informal settlements and institutional reforms in the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC).

The CM said that the provincial government was committed to improving Karachi’s water supply network.

“Karachi’s growing population requires efficient water management systems, transparent governance and timely completion of strategic projects,” he said, adding that the provincial government would extend full support to ensure that all ongoing projects were completed within stipulated timelines.

Minister Nasir Shah informed the meeting that the consumer meter installation plan had been finalised and would be shared with the World Bank within a few days.

The meeting was informed that all consumer meters would be installed by June 2027 in accordance with the agreed implementation schedule.

Mayor Wahab told the WB team that 150, out of 212, chambers required for system meters had already been constructed, while the remaining chamber locations would be identified by the non-revenue water consultancy team already engaged on the project.

The meeting further discussed the need for additional allocations for water treatment plants and consultancy services.

Murad, insurance industry discuss tax reforms for next budget

In a meeting with a delegation of the Insurance Association of Pakistan (IAP), the CM has assured the insurance industry that the Sindh government is committed to a fair and predictable tax regime.

The meeting was held to review comprehensive budget proposals on Sales Tax on Services (SST) for the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB).

The IAP delegation presented detailed suggestions on the Sindh sales tax on life and health insurance for the provincial budget 2026-27, focusing on encouraging documentation and expanding insurance penetration.

CM Shah said the province wanted to support growth while safeguarding provincial revenues.

“We want a tax regime that is transparent, business-friendly and sustainable,” he said, according to a statement. “If the insurance sector grows, our people get better protection, and the government benefits from a stronger, documented economy. We will carefully examine your proposals within the framework of the law.”

He also directed the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) to continue engaging with the industry. “Constructive input from stakeholders like the IAP will help us shape a more rational tax policy in the upcoming budget.”

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026