Environmental and social rights organizations have raised concerns over the proposed 16.5-kilometre Karachi Port to Qayyumabad Corridor (KPQC), calling for independent assessments before the project receives approval.
The proposed infrastructure project is planned as a four-lane freight corridor connecting Karachi Port with Qayyumabad and providing links to Shahrah-e-Bhutto and the M-9 motorway.
The concerns were presented during a public hearing organized by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on August 18.
Participating groups called for greater scrutiny of the project, particularly regarding its potential environmental and social effects. They argued that independent reviews should be conducted before authorities make a final decision.
The KPQC is being proposed as a major transport link for freight movement in Karachi. By connecting the port with important road networks, the corridor could potentially provide a dedicated route for the movement of commercial vehicles.
Karachi Port is one of Pakistan’s key trade gateways, and improving connections between the port and major highways can play an important role in the movement of goods across the city and beyond.
However, large transport projects can also affect communities and the surrounding environment. This has prompted environmental and social rights groups to seek more detailed assessments of the proposed corridor.
Independent evaluations could examine the project’s potential impact on nearby communities, traffic patterns, land use and the urban environment. Such assessments can also help authorities identify possible risks and consider measures to reduce them.
The SEPA public hearing provided an opportunity for stakeholders to present their views before the proposed corridor moves further through the approval process.
Public hearings are an important part of environmental decision-making because they allow affected communities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to raise concerns about major development projects.
The debate over the KPQC reflects the wider challenge Karachi faces in balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection and community interests.
The proposed 16.5-kilometre corridor is intended to strengthen freight connectivity, but stakeholders are seeking assurances that development will not create avoidable environmental or social costs.
The route’s connection to Shahrah-e-Bhutto and the M-9 could make it strategically important for freight transportation. At the same time, its broader impact will depend on factors such as route planning, construction activity and traffic management.
Environmental groups are therefore seeking greater transparency and independent examination of the project before approval.
Further assessments could provide decision-makers with additional information about the potential benefits and risks of the corridor. They could also help establish appropriate safeguards if the project proceeds.
The discussions at the SEPA hearing indicate that the KPQC remains a matter of public interest, with stakeholders calling for careful evaluation before construction or final approval.
As Karachi continues to expand its transport infrastructure, the proposed Karachi Port to Qayyumabad Corridor is likely to remain under close scrutiny from environmental organizations, social rights groups and other stakeholders.
