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KARACHI, Aug 27 (APP): Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon on Wednesday announced that the construction of the Jam Sadiq Bridge, an integral part of the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, will be completed ahead of schedule. The bridge is designed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, regular traffic, and a dedicated BRT corridor.
During a visit to the construction site in Karachi, the minister was accompanied by Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and Yellow Line BRT Project Director Zameer Abbasi. He received a detailed briefing on the project’s progress.
Speaking to the media, Sharjeel Memon stated that construction work on the Yellow Line depots is also in full swing. Supported by the World Bank, the Yellow Line BRT is expected to modernize Karachi’s transport infrastructure and significantly alleviate traffic congestion.
He also shared updates on other transport initiatives, including the ongoing development of the central corridor of the Red Line BRT. Additionally, he announced that double-decker buses and a fleet of electric buses will be introduced in Karachi next month.
Highlighting women’s empowerment initiatives, Memon said the distribution of free pink electric scooters for women would begin by the end of this month or early next month. Free training and driving licenses are being provided, with a special focus on working women and female students.
“The Pink Scooter Scheme is a landmark step for women’s empowerment. Such initiatives have never been undertaken before in the Transport Department,” he said.
Memon also spoke about broader social welfare efforts led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He noted that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is in Larkana, distributing property rights certificates to women under the “Apni Zameen, Apna Chhat” housing scheme. The program aims to provide homes and land ownership to the underprivileged, particularly women.
Referring to a recent meeting between a World Bank delegation and the Sindh Chief Minister, Memon said the delegation expressed satisfaction with the Yellow Line BRT’s progress and discussed the Sindh Peoples Housing Scheme. He also mentioned that free solar panels are being distributed to help citizens cope with the energy crisis.
Responding to questions about recent flooding in Punjab, Memon said the Sindh government is ready to offer support if needed. “If a flood situation arises in Sindh, we are fully prepared,” he asserted.
Addressing criticism over the aftermath of recent rains in Karachi, the minister stated that although citizens faced temporary inconvenience, some media outlets exaggerated the situation. “These same outlets are silent on the floods in Punjab. Natural disasters should not be politicized,” he emphasized.
On the topic of potential cabinet reshuffles, Memon said such decisions are the Chief Minister’s prerogative and are part of regular governance. “There’s always room for improvement, and new individuals should be given opportunities,” he noted.
Regarding recent speculation about the formation of new provinces, Memon reiterated that any such move would require approval from the concerned assemblies. “The Sindh Assembly has never, and will never, approve such a measure,” he asserted.
Commenting on the under-construction Shahrah-e-Bhutto, he said any faults found will be addressed. He clarified that the road is being developed under a public-private partnership, with the contractor responsible for its maintenance for the next 25 years. “No public funds are being spent. Negative campaigns against the Sindh government are politically motivated,” he added.
In closing, Memon extended well wishes for senior PPP leader Khursheed Shah, calling him a valuable asset to the party and confirming his health is now stable.