Sindh Seeks China’s Help to Turn Karachi Into a Smart City

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has approached China for support in transforming Karachi into a smart city, focusing on urban planning, public transport, digital services, and modern infrastructure. This idea was discussed during a meeting with Shanghai Mayor Zhu Zhongming in China, where Shah also proposed establishing a sister-city relationship between Karachi and Shanghai.

Shah argued that both cities are significant commercial and port hubs that could gain from improved cooperation in transport, technology, infrastructure, and investment. He requested Shanghai's expertise in smart city management, integrated urban planning, and digital governance to enhance public services in Karachi. Shah also pointed out ongoing projects, such as the Karachi Circular Railway and initiatives to improve the city's IT infrastructure.

Both sides discussed strengthening economic ties and attracting investment via business partnerships and institutional cooperation. During his visit, Shah visited Huawei's research and development center in Shanghai and invited the company to set up technology labs and research facilities in Karachi. He suggested joint efforts in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure to support Sindh's digital transformation.

Shah believes that closer collaboration with Chinese institutions and technology firms can modernize Karachi and create new investment and employment prospects.