KARACHI, Dec 22: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has said all possible steps are taken to provide protection to people, including foreigners. He was talking to a delegation of the American Business Council, led by its President Zubair Soomro, at the Governor’s House.

The governor said that investment climate is conducive and local and foreign investors are doing businesses in a better environment.

He informed that besides industrial and business activities in Karachi, foreigners are engaged in oil and gas exploration in the interior of Sindh and other places.

The governor said only a few years back, investors were thinking about winding up of their businesses from Karachi, but today every second industry in the city is keen on further expansion.

The governor apprised the delegation members of the law and order situation, rehabilitation of water and electricity systems and projects of sports and culture, health, education etc.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, Principal Secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan, Secretary Home Brig (Retd) Ghulam Mohammed Mohtaram, CCPO Niaz Ahmed Siddiqi, CPLC Chief Sharfuddin Memon, DCO Fazlur Rehman and heads of water and power departments were also present.

The members of American Business Council appreciated the improvement in law and order and other sectors and put forth their suggestions for further improvement.

The governor informed the ABC delegation that the strategy devised to curb street crimes is under implementation and special units of police are being strengthened for controlling day-to-day crimes.

City Nazim Mustafa Kamal informed that Rs2.7 billion projects have been undertaken for rehabilitation of infrastructure and facilities in the industrial areas.

He said that the city government plans to ensure signal-free traffic flow from airport to SITE and on Sharea Faisal. The programme envisages planning for underpasses and flyovers at Gharibabad, Hasan Square and Stadium Road corner.

Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan highlighted the existing consumption of water and electricity and future estimates and said that after completion of K-III project, the city would start getting 100 mgd additional water while city would have additional 600 MW electric supply after HUBCO-KESC link becomes operative in March next year.

He said at present the electricity demand in Karachi stands at 2200 MW against the availability of 1700 MW.—APP