CM Sindh bans commercialisation of industrial plots

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday imposed a ban on allotment and conversion of industrial plots into commercials ones with immediate effect.

The chief minister issued these directives while presiding over a meeting regarding commercialisation of industrial plots at SITE Karachi.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Sajid Jamal Abro, Secretary Local Government Khalid Hyder Shah, Secretary Industries Haleem Shaikh, MD SITE and other concerned officers.

He also directed chief secretary present a policy to the cabinet for further discussion and approval. It was pointed out that land measuring 152 acre of SITE was allotted for several commercial initiatives.

CM Sindh was informed that the allotment was being made by the board of the SITE comprising eight government and seven industrialists. The allotment is legal but the plots were meant for industrial purposes, and therefore they cannot be allotted for commercial or other purposes.

The chief minister was also informed that plots measuring 153 acres were converted into commercial plots illegally. They include 13 acres for banks, 15 for CNG stations, nine for godowns, 73 acres for showrooms, 19 petrol pumps, six for shopping centers, five for shops, 11 for weighbridge, and one each for a school and workshop.

CM Sindh said that SITE areas was established for industrial purposes but it was being converted into commercial which is illegal.

He directed the chief secretary to present the matter before the provincial cabinet and impose a complete ban on allotment and conversion of the plots with immediate effect.