The Prime Minister calls the inclusion of Karachi's coastline zone in CPEC a "game changer." When thanking the Ministry of Ma...

 The Prime Minister calls the inclusion of Karachi's coastline zone in CPEC a "game changer."

When thanking the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for its efforts on Sunday, Prime Minister Imran Khan referred to the inclusion of Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone (KCCDZ) in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a "game changer".

In his words, he hoped it would help clean up the sea habitat for fisherman, build low-income housing units, and open doors for investors to get in on the action.

"Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone's inclusion in CPEC is game-changing. Improve our maritime ecosystem for fisherman, build 20k low-cost homes for the poor, and open up new investment options. In comparison to other developed port cities, Khi (Karachi) will be at the top of the list.

KCCDZ, a Ministry of Maritime Affairs initiative, aims to provide Karachi with a cutting-edge urban infrastructure zone, elevating Karachi to the status of one of the world's premier port cities.

Even for CPEC, this would be a first: the multibillion dollar KCCDZ project will be built with Chinese direct investment in conjunction with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT). It was estimated that roughly 3.5 billion dollars would be put into the project.

KCCDZ would be a landmark project for Pakistan and the entire region, since it would be built on 640 hectares of reclaimed land in KPT's Western Backwaters Marshland.

More than 20,000 slum-dwelling families would be relocated to KCCDZ as part of Prime Minister Imran Khan's plan to promote low-cost housing.

Pakistan's burgeoning maritime sector would gain depth with the construction of the environmentally friendly massive KCCDZ, which includes four new berths for KPT.

As part of the project, a cutting-edge fishing port and a world-class fisheries export processing zone will be built at the mouth of the Lyari River, boosting Pakistan's trade potential while simultaneously significantly improving the marine habitat and reducing pollution.

There would be a magnificent harbour bridge connecting Karachi to the rest of the city from behind Pakistan's Deepwater Port, with exit ramps for the Manora Islands and Sandspit beach, and a lot of money to be made from international investors in the project as well.

The coastal zone project will also let Pakistan tap into its vast blue economy, which will spur economic growth and closer ties between the two countries.

Imran Khan

@ImranKhanPTI

Inclusion of Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone in CPEC is game changer. Will cleanup our marine habitat for fishermen, develop 20k low income housing units & present opportunities for investors. Will put Khi at par with developed port cities Well done

@MaritimeGovPK