THATTA: President Asif Ali Zardari was given a detailed briefing on several mega projects, including the Keti Bandar seaport, Keti Bandar-Gharo highway and coastal highway, on Sunday.
The president was on a private visit to Thatta, local PPP leaders told media personnel. They said the briefing was given to him by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Minister for Works and Services Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, who is the MPA from the area.
According to party sources, the briefing took place at a farm near Muradani village, situated within the Ghulam Shah-Ghorabari area.
CM Shah told President Zardari that all practical steps were being taken to develop the historical city of Keti Bandar into a major seaport of international standards under the public-private partnership mode, as per the vision of slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Mr Shah informed him that fruitful discussions had been held with foreign investors on these project. Power plants and other infrastructural ventures in the region were also under active consideration, he said.
Ali Hassan Zardari apprised the president of the persistent delays hitting construction of the Gharo-Keti Bandar road. He pointed out that since the road fell within the jurisdiction of the National Highway Authority (NHA), the provincial government had formally approached the federal authorities with request to expedite the work and ensure timely completion of the vital road link.
President Zardari also reviewed progress of the coastal highway mega project. He was informed that the work on the strategic highway connecting Bhanbhore and Keti Bandar was advancing smoothly through the collaborative efforts by the federal and provincial governments with the aim of boosting economic activity, connectivity and uplift of the coastal areas.
Stringent security arrangements were made for President Zardari’s private visit, PPI adds. Increased surveillance in the areas like Mirpur Sakro, Gharo, Ghaghar Phatak, Ghulam Shah and Ghorabari was witnessed. A helipad was prepared in the district and the planned route was cleared of vehicles and obstacles.
After the briefing, President Zardari had a lunch with Murad Ali Shah and Haji Ali Hassan Zardari at the latter’s residence — the Mohsin House.
President Zardari was to visit Sujawal and Tando Allahyar as well but the travel plan was put off. According to sources, he might proceed to these areas by road on Monday.
Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026
