Karachi's University Road to be made ‘100pc motorable’ by Sept 15: Sharjeel

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that efforts are being made to make University Road fully motorable by September 15. The announcement was made at the site of the under-construction Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project, during a media briefing on Saturday. Memon was briefed on the progress of the project, its construction activities, and work underway in various sections.

He stated that work was progressing rapidly, and road carpeting had been completed at several locations along University Road. Memon, who also holds the portfolios of information, transport, and mass transit, emphasized that work was also advancing swiftly on other sections of the Red Line, as well as the construction of bridges as part of the project.

Moreover, he mentioned that the construction of the Yellow Line project was ongoing, and the Sindh government was committed to providing the best travel facilities to the citizens of Karachi through BRT projects. The minister confirmed that agreements had been signed for the purchase of 500 electric buses, which would soon be available to Karachi's citizens, along with bikes and scooters.

He acknowledged the challenges and problems facing Karachi but stated that the Sindh chief minister holds daily meetings to address them and personally monitors the city's issues. Memon criticized the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan for tarnishing the province's image through negative propaganda and emphasized the need for positive and responsible politics to resolve Karachi's problems and attract foreign investors.

He highlighted that Karachi remains an important economic center of Pakistan and is among the highest tax-paying cities in the country, asserting that the development of Karachi benefits the entire nation. Memon affirmed that resolving Karachi's problems primarily lies with the government but also called for the participation of citizens and other stakeholders.

Regarding the formation of new provinces, Memon mentioned that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had stated that the Constitution outlines the procedure for such creation. No alternative method was acceptable, and a resolution must pass by a majority in the relevant provincial assembly. He added that four resolutions against the formation of a new province were passed unanimously by the Sindh Assembly during the PPP's tenure, while three resolutions were passed by a majority on three separate occasions.

The PPP firmly believes that public opinion should be expressed through elected representatives and legitimate elections, not through street surveys. Memon also addressed the issue of Imran Khan's healthcare, asserting that every sick person, whether political or not, should receive medical treatment. He emphasized that no one's access to healthcare should be hindered based on political opposition or personal revenge, and that courts' legal decisions should be respected.

Lastly, he discussed the closure of Hyderabad Airport in Sindh and the need for better attention to the province's airport development, stating that motorways in Sindh are lacking compared to other provinces.