CM Murad invites Indonesian investors to explore Sindh’s emerging opportunities at Pakistan–Indonesia Business Forum

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday invited Indonesian businesses to invest in Sindh’s rapidly expanding economy

KARAChi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday invited Indonesian businesses to invest in Sindh’s rapidly expanding economy, highlighting major upcoming initiatives including the development of Keti Bandar Port, the establishment of a Sindh International Facilitation Centre in Karachi, and the creation of AI-enabled data centres powered by affordable energy.

Addressing the media after participating in the Indonesian–Pakistan Investment & Business Forum, the Chief Minister said Sindh offered immense opportunities for foreign investors across infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. He expressed confidence that the forum would pave the way for stronger economic cooperation and tangible business partnerships between Pakistan and Indonesia.

At the same time, the Chief Minister condemned the murder of young doctor Akash Kumar and the Karachi University incident, reaffirming his government’s commitment to combating terrorism and crime. He also addressed the ongoing wheat and flour situation, saying the crisis was not limited to Sindh but affected the entire country, and announced strict action against hoarders and profiteers.

Speaking at the forum, Mr Shah thanked Indonesian Consul General Mu.dzakir and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for organising the event and bringing together business leaders from both countries.

He said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed a historic relationship based on mutual respect, shared values and longstanding cooperation, adding that stronger economic engagement could further deepen bilateral ties.

The Chief Minister described Sindh as the economic engine of Pakistan, noting that Karachi remained the country’s financial and commercial hub with world-class ports, industrial zones, financial institutions and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Highlighting Sindh’s investment agenda, he said the provincial government was working on the development of a new deep-sea port at Keti Bandar that would create significant opportunities in trade, logistics and maritime commerce. He added that a Sindh International Facilitation Centre would be established in Karachi to provide investors with streamlined services and support for business operations.

Mr Shah also announced plans to develop advanced data centres equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities, supported by affordable and sustainable energy solutions. He said Sindh was committed to creating a business-friendly environment through governance reforms, infrastructure development, digital transformation and investment facilitation.

He pointed out that Sindh offered attractive prospects in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, as well as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, information technology and value-added industries.

Referring to discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Pakistan and Indonesia, the Chief Minister said such an agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade, encourage investment flows and reduce barriers to economic cooperation.

He stressed that while governments could provide enabling frameworks, the private sector remained the driving force behind economic growth. He urged entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce and investors from both countries to strengthen business-to-business linkages, identify complementary strengths and pursue joint ventures.

Inviting Indonesian companies to explore opportunities in Sindh, he assured them that the provincial government would provide full support and facilitation for investment projects and long-term partnerships.

Later, responding to questions from journalists, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the murder of Dr Akash Kumar and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. He said those involved would not escape the law and that police were actively pursuing the case.

Referring to the broader security situation, Mr Shah said Pakistan, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was facing renewed terrorist threats from elements seeking to destabilise the country. He noted that a high-level security review meeting had recently been convened to assess emerging threats and strengthen counter-terrorism measures.

“We are closely monitoring terrorist networks and criminal elements,” he said, adding that law-enforcement and intelligence agencies were working in close coordination to eliminate threats to public safety.

The Chief Minister said an inquiry had been ordered into the Karachi University incident and assured that anyone found responsible would be held accountable. He also stated that all suspects involved in the recent attack on Rangers Headquarters had been arrested.

Recalling past successes against militancy, Mr Shah said Karachi had previously been cleared of terrorist networks and that the government would not allow criminal groups to regain ground. He expressed confidence that the people of Balochistan would continue to reject terrorism and support national stability.

On the wheat situation, the Chief Minister acknowledged that a flour crisis had emerged and said the provincial government’s primary objective was to ensure that growers received fair compensation for their produce.

Mr Shah explained that during discussions on wheat procurement, the federal government had proposed a coordinated national approach so that all provinces could maintain a uniform procurement price. Sindh had proposed a support price of Rs4,000 per maund, he said, while other provinces, particularly Punjab, favoured a lower rate of Rs3,500 per maund.

Mr Shah noted that no province had fully achieved its procurement targets and many farmers had sold their wheat in markets offering higher prices. He said intelligence-based operations and data collected from licensed stockists had identified instances of hoarding.

The provincial cabinet, he added, had decided to confiscate illegally hoarded wheat through legal procedures and procure it at the official rate of Rs3,500 per maund. He also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had convened a meeting on the wheat and flour situation, underscoring that the challenge was nationwide rather than confined to Sindh.

The Chief Minister said there was growing support for deregulating wheat pricing and establishing a proper wheat exchange mechanism to ensure transparency. The objective, he said, was to guarantee fair returns for farmers while allowing reasonable profits for traders without permitting excessive profiteering.

“Sindh government is actively working on a comprehensive solution that protects both growers and consumers,” he said.