YET another project in Karachi is under-way that could negatively affect the environment. The Karachi Port-Qayyum-abad Expressway, a Rs64.20 billion project, will connect East Wharf to Shahrah-i-Bhutto. The project will effectively create a concrete jungle in the midst of residential areas.

Karachi already grapples with a dearth of vegetation and an overabundance of concrete/asphalt surfaces, which together exacerbate heat retention and contribute to the city’s sweltering temperatures. Climate change is known beyond doubt to have a profound impact on Karachi, driving intense urban heat island effects, and severe urban flooding. In this backdrop, this proposed elevated expressway over densely populated residential areas, including DHA and Clifton, raises serious concerns regarding privacy, continuous noise pollution, environmental degradation, and public health. Besides, the anticipated 24-hour movement of heavy vehicles may have an adverse impact on the wellbeing, safety and, indeed, economic stability of area residents.

Instead of using M-10 and restoring freight trains, the government wants to add further to the ugly concrete infrastruc- ture that the city already has. The project funds of more than Rs64 billion must be utilised in partnership with Pakistan Railways to upgrade its cargo facilities.

Syed Jamal Macdi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026