Ahmed Khan Malik

Sindh’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) project portfolio has expanded significantly over the past 15 years, reaching a cumulative value of Rs717 billion, reflecting the province’s growing reliance on private sector participation to deliver large-scale infrastructure and social development projects.

“Since the enactment of the Sindh Public Private Partnership Act in 2010, the provincial government has increasingly used the PPP model to bridge financing gaps, improve service delivery, and accelerate development in critical sectors. The steady growth of the portfolio demonstrates Sindh’s emergence as a leading province in institutionalizing PPPs in Pakistan,” said Sadiq Younas, Director Finance Public-Private Partnership Unit.

He informed Wealth Pakistan that the portfolio includes projects across transport, energy, health, education, solid waste management, and urban infrastructure. “Among the most prominent initiatives are road networks developed under build-operate-transfer and build-own-operate models, particularly in underdeveloped districts where private investment was previously limited. These road projects have improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and supported local economic activity,” he said.

In the energy sector, several PPP-based power projects, including coal, renewable, and waste-to-energy initiatives, form a key part of the Rs717 billion portfolio. “Projects such as the Thar coal-based energy development are often cited as landmark examples of public-private collaboration aimed at addressing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages while utilizing indigenous resources,” Younas said.

He said that healthcare has emerged as another major focus area. “Through PPP arrangements, the Sindh government has partnered with private operators to manage diagnostic services, hospital facilities, and emergency care units. These partnerships have helped improve efficiency and expand coverage, particularly in remote and rural areas.”

Education-related PPP projects include the outsourcing of public schools to private education management organizations, construction of new schools, and technical and vocational training institutes, he said, noting that these initiatives have contributed to improved enrollment, better learning outcomes, and enhanced governance in the education sector.

Urban services, especially in Karachi and other major cities, account for a growing share of the PPP portfolio. Solid waste management systems, parking plazas, water treatment plants, and mass transit-related components have been developed or planned under PPP frameworks, Younas said, adding that private sector expertise has helped introduce modern technology and management practices across these services.

Younas said that over time, the regulatory and institutional framework has matured, with clearer risk-sharing mechanisms, standardized contracts, and improved transparency. International financial institutions and development partners have also supported several projects through guarantees, advisory services, and co-financing, he added.

The director finance PPP Unit said that safeguards have been strengthened in recent years, including independent transaction advisors, competitive bidding processes, and periodic performance reviews. “PPPs have enabled the province to undertake projects that would have been difficult to finance solely through public funds, especially amid fiscal constraints.”

He said that Sindh plans to further expand its PPP portfolio, with proposed projects in mass transit, affordable housing, climate-resilient infrastructure, and water and sanitation. He added that the focus will remain on balancing investor confidence with public welfare, ensuring that partnerships deliver long-term value.

Credit: INP-WealthPk