Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced on Saturday that the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) teams are working around the clock on the Red Line project along Karachi’s University Road. During his visit to the construction site, he stated that the mixed traffic lane on University Road is expected to be completed by the end of July.
Memon acknowledged that the public has experienced some temporary inconvenience during the construction phase, for which the government has taken firm measures and extended apologies to the citizens. Accompanying him at the site were Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, CEO TransKarachi Zubair Channa, and other officials.
In a significant development, the minister remarked that the Karachi motorway project should have originally commenced within the city, but planning decisions had placed it elsewhere. He highlighted Karachi’s geographical position at the country’s southern end and noted the city faces a 20% water shortage.
He praised the opening of Bhutto Highway, emphasizing the considerable convenience it has brought to commuters by reducing travel time. To ensure public safety, police, ambulance, and rescue services have been deployed along the highway to provide immediate assistance when needed.
Memon also pointed out that Karachi hosts the highest number of health facilities in Pakistan, attracting patients nationwide seeking free medical treatment. He cited the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences in Gambat as an example, where quality free healthcare is provided.
The minister further stated that the Sindh government has been upgrading roads across the province using its own funds, with ongoing projects continuing steadily. He highlighted the world’s largest housing initiative underway in Sindh, aimed at constructing homes for 2.1 million low-income residents.
Additionally, Memon mentioned the Sindh government’s $1 billion investment in Thar coal, which is producing affordable electricity benefiting the entire country. To tackle Karachi’s heavy traffic, a new terminal is being built on the Northern Bypass.
He stressed that Karachi bears a significant burden in terms of health and employment, as people from all over Pakistan migrate to the city for jobs, a factor that should be considered when comparing Karachi with other cities.
Responding to a question, the minister dismissed rumors about a draft of the 28th Amendment, clarifying that no such draft exists. He also noted that the 18th Amendment had the support of the MQM and remarked that the public does not take MQM-Pakistan leaders seriously.
