Port Tower Karachi

President General Pervez Musharraf is likely to perform ground-breaking of Rs 20 billion(€ 280 million) Port Tower project in June, considered to be amongst 10-tallest buildings of the world. "Our preparations are in full swing and it is hoped that the President will perform the ground-breaking of the tower in June," an official in the ministry of ports and shipping told Business Recorder. He said it would be a landmark project in Karachi with world class recreational facilities and the 1,400 feet high Port Tower with commercial-cum-recreational centre will rise at the skyline on the Clifton beach, he added. The official said the main features of the venture would be a commercial complex, residential estate, recreational facilities and a viewing gallery offering a panoramic view of the coastline and the city. The monument - believed to be amongst the 10 tallest buildings of the world - would be completed in a period of six years. The complex would have speedy lifts for the visitors to have a bird's-eye view of the city from a revolving restaurant at its top. The total 90-acre land required for the project would be made available through reclamation of the sea, the official said. It is learnt that the Karachi Port Trust would contribute Rs 3.16 billion(€ 44.2 million) in the shape of 30-acre land for the tower and the Expo Centre, 30.5-acre land for low-rise residential complex, 21.5 acres for high-rise complex and 15.8 acres for shopping area and hotel. The low-rise residential complex would comprise 75 units of 4,500 sq ft each, while the high-rise complex would have A and B categories of apartments. The authorities believe the mega project would generate huge employment opportunities, as some 40,000 workers, along with 137 industries would remain associated with the project for six years.