KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing Industrial Growth by upgrading infrastructure, improving security and fostering a business-friendly environment across the province.

Addressing a ceremony organised by the Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) to honour Indus Hospital Network founder Dr Abdul Bari Khan, the chief minister said strategic connectivity projects and continued public investment would attract investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic growth.

Meanwhile, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani, government spokesperson Nadir Gabol, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, industrialists, business leaders and senior government officials attended the event.

According to Murad Shah, industrial development remains one of the provincial government’s highest priorities. He also welcomed the business community’s continued engagement and said its recommendations help shape development initiatives in industrial areas.

Furthermore, he said the government is working to create an environment where industries can expand, investors can invest with confidence and employment opportunities can increase.

The chief minister highlighted the planned connection between the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway and Karachi Port, describing it as a transformative project for trade and industry.

As a result, he said the direct link will reduce transport costs, shorten travel times and improve the movement of goods across Karachi.

Despite fiscal challenges, the provincial government will continue investing in infrastructure across industrial zones, Murad Shah said. Moreover, he stressed that lasting peace and stability remain essential for investor confidence and sustained economic development.

Meanwhile, Murad Shah paid tribute to Dr Abdul Bari Khan for his outstanding contribution to healthcare. He said the Indus Hospital Network has transformed countless lives by providing quality medical treatment.

He also recalled his first visit to Indus Hospital at Dr Abdul Bari Khan’s invitation, saying that meeting laid the foundation for one of Sindh’s most successful public-private healthcare partnerships.

In addition, the chief minister said cooperation between the government and healthcare institutions has expanded quality medical services beyond Karachi to districts such as Badin and other underserved areas.

KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput thanked the chief minister for supporting the industrial sector. He also praised infrastructure projects, including the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway, Korangi flyovers and the Rs2 billion development package for industrial zones.

Likewise, former KATI President Zubair Chhaya commended Dr Abdul Bari Khan for his humanitarian services. He also appreciated the Sindh government’s partnerships with institutions such as the Gambat Institute, NICVD, Jinnah Hospital, NICH and Indus Hospital, saying they have significantly improved healthcare delivery across the province.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdul Bari Khan thanked KATI and the Sindh government for recognising his contributions and supporting the Indus Hospital Network.

He noted that government funding had increased from Rs300 million to Rs8 billion, allowing the network to expand healthcare services across Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan while improving access to quality medical care for millions of people.

Finally, participants paid tribute to Dr Abdul Bari Khan’s services and reaffirmed the importance of stronger cooperation between the government, industry and social sector organisations to promote public welfare and sustainable development across Sindh