Karachi: Sindh Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Memon inaugurated mobile application of Peoples’ Bus Service at local hotel here. Event was organised by Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and Transport and Mass Transit Department, Sindh government.

Sharjeel Memon stated that Bus Service has been initiated under directives of leadership of Pakistan Peoples’ Party with aim to offering excellent travel amenities to citizens. He said since its inception, service has expanded to cover seven cities in Sindh. Through Bus Service application, passengers will have access to ticket prices, bus schedules and other essential information. Sindh government maintains complete oversight of Bus Service, ensuring continuous monitoring of its operations.

He emphasised that despite numerous challenges, Sindh government is committed to providing citizens with affordable and comfortable facilities. To achieve this objective, government allocates substantial budget every month. He said that Chief Minister has prioritised development of transport system in Karachi, Sindh government has plans to launch an e-taxi service in near future, construction of Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Karachi is progressing rapidly and it will be first BRT system in Pakistan to operate on biogas. He said that both Yellow Line BRT and Red Line BRT are projects with an estimated value of approximately 200 billion rupees. He said that presently country is grappling with challenging economic situation, in such circumstances, it is crucial for us all to make collective decisions as nation and forge ahead together.

He emphasised that most pressing issue in Pakistan currently is to strengthen country’s economy. It is imperative to prioritise key sectors such as agriculture and minerals, developing an efficient water distribution system is crucial for promoting agricultural production, Pakistan Peoples’ Party is best suited to undertake these endeavours.

He stated that regardless of which political party assumes power, it is essential to formulate comprehensive ten-year plan, focus should be on attracting foreign investors to establish new industries.

He said unfortunately, few miscreants vandalised three of our buses. However, our skilled drivers managed to safeguard remaining buses from any harm.

He questioned why Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf did not protest similarly in America or London, only causing destruction within own nation. Today, we will award certificates of appreciation to those individuals who successfully protected buses from miscreants.

Addressing journalists’ queries, Sharjeel stated that during Eid-ul-Fitr, Transport Department collaborated with Motorway Police to address issue of overcharging by certain fare collectors, excessive fares were recovered as result of this initiative. He highlighted provision of healthcare facilities and exemplary services in various sectors, significant progress is being made in road infrastructure projects, commendable efforts are being undertaken to improve Karachi’s waste management and sanitation systems.

In response to question, he mentioned that Chief Minister has engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif regarding Karachi Circular Railway project. Chief Minister has received support for its inclusion in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

In response to another question, he emphasised importance of focusing on strengthening country’s economy and suggesting implementation of unified economic policy for minimum period of 10 years he said now we need to work to strengthen country’s economy, at least 10 years of economic policy should be carried out together.

He said that PTI government had shown intentions to close National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases but Sindh government remains committed to its continuation and development and its dozens of chest pain units are operational in all over province.

Later he distributed certificates of appreciation for courageous measures taken to protect Bus Service from harm by miscreants during May 9 riots.

Secretary Transport Saleem Rajput, Managing Director Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo, Project Director People’s Bus Service Sohaib Shafiq, CEO Trans Karachi Tufail Palijo, and dignitaries participated in event.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 23 2023

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