Creation of Sindh Master Plan Authority mulled over

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Apr, 2026) Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, terming establishment of Sindh Master Plan Authority as a necessity of the time on Thursday, emphasized that it will help creating a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable development system for the future and curb unplanned and unregulated urban expansion.

The minister was chairing a meeting held here to deliberate in detail the establishment of the Sindh Master Plan Authority (SMPA), its proposed draft, and various aspects of legislation, said a statement issued here.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Local Government Dr. Waseem Shamshad, heads of all departments of Local Government, Director of Sindh Master Planning Shakeel Siddiqui, Director Legal Aurangzeb Qaimkhani, Vice Chancellor of NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi Dr. Nauman, along with other relevant officials.

Nasir Shah stated that the Primary objective of establishing the authority was to develop an integrated, strong, and autonomous urban planning framework across the province, enabling scientific solutions to the challenges posed by increasing population and urban issues.

Under the new law, a comprehensive strategy will be devised to address modern urban challenges, facilitate the business community and industrial sector, and promote sustainable development, he added.

Establishment of the Sindh Master Plan Authority was being undertaken in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court and it will be formed by merging the Karachi Master Plan Department and Hyderabad Town Planning Department into a single autonomous and effective platform, the meeting was informed.

It was also agreed in the meeting that under the proposed Act, the Sindh Master Plan Authority will have planning powers at regional, district, and urban levels across the province while all land-owning institutions, including cantonment boards, will be bound to align their development activities with the master plan.

The Minister directed that the long-pending draft should undergo complete legal scrutiny at the earliest and be presented to the Sindh Cabinet for approval. He added that following cabinet approval, it should be forwarded to the Provincial Assembly for legislation without delay.

To ensure that the planning process is more effective and aligned with contemporary standards, he added, modern technical departments such as Urban Design and Renewal and Design Bureau will also be included in the SMPA.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on urban needs, population pressure, infrastructure improvement, and provision of modern urban facilities.