Civil Society Opposes Qayyumabad-Karachi Port Elevated Corridor Project

KARACHI: Civil society members, experts, and residents of Clifton and Defence have vehemently rejected the proposed Qayyumabad-Karachi Port elevated corridor project, citing serious concerns over noise pollution, environmental degradation, public health, and privacy. The 16.5-km-long, four-lane corridor aims to alleviate inner-city traffic by directly connecting Karachi Port’s East Wharf to Shahrah-i-Bhutto.

During a press conference held by the Karachi Citizens Forum (KCF) at the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) House, KCF convener Nargis Rahman highlighted the anticipated daily passage of over 13,000 heavy vehicles through Clifton and DHA, warning that this would render these areas unlivable. The project, which is estimated to cost Rs65 billion and is set to be constructed under a public-private partnership model, was inaugurated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in May.

The implications of this project extend beyond mere traffic management; residents fear that the elevated corridor will exacerbate existing environmental issues and compromise their quality of life. The concerns raised reflect a broader apprehension among citizens regarding urban development projects that prioritize infrastructure over community well-being.

As civil society groups mobilize against the project, further discussions and consultations are expected to take place in the coming weeks. Activists are calling for a comprehensive review of the project’s environmental impact and a reassessment of its necessity in light of the potential harm to local communities.