Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced several key initiatives aimed at improving the province’s transport infrastructure and intensifying efforts to control narcotics. The announcements were made during a press conference in Karachi, covering a range of topics from new bus routes to stringent measures against fake number plates and drug trafficking.
New Bus Routes and Transport Initiatives
- Expansion of People’s Bus Service: The Sindh Transport Department will soon launch new routes for the People’s Bus Service. After successful implementations in Karachi, Larkana, and Hyderabad, the service will commence in Shaheed Benazirabad this week.
- Hawke’s Bay to Tower Route: Scheduled to launch next week, enhancing connectivity in the region.
- Saadi Town to Tower Route: A 36-kilometer route will be introduced, aiming to provide extensive coverage and convenience.
- Lyari Chakiwara Route: This route was launched last week, further expanding the network.
Infrastructure Projects:
- Orange Line and Green Line Projects: These projects have been completed, and a shuttle service between them is now operational.
- Jam Sadiq Bridge: Construction work has commenced, marking another step toward improving infrastructure.
Innovations and Future Plans:
- Automated Fare Collection System: Recently inaugurated to streamline fare collection and improve efficiency.
- Expansion of Pink Bus Service: Increased on the directive of PPP leader Ms. Faryal Talpur to cater to women’s transportation needs.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Bus Service: Pakistan’s first EV bus service has been launched, with plans to introduce more EV buses to promote sustainable transport.
Federal Support and Promises:
- Prime Minister’s Commitment: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has promised to supply 150 buses to the Sindh government. The provincial administration is urging the fulfillment of this promise to enhance public transport.
Crackdown on Fake Number Plates and Vehicle Registration Reforms
Enforcement Actions:
- Action Against Fake Number Plates: FIRs have been lodged against individuals using fake official number plates on private vehicles. The Sindh government is determined to eliminate this practice, warning that offenders will be jailed and shops manufacturing fake plates will be penalized.
Motor Vehicle Ordinance Amendment:
- New Registration Requirements: The ordinance will be amended to mandate vehicle registration before driving. Previously, vehicles had to be registered within sixty days of purchase, but now they must be registered before leaving the showroom. Violators will face a fine of 1 million rupees.
Upcoming Auction:
- Premium Number Plates Auction: The Excise Department will auction premium number plates on June 29 at a function organized in a Karachi hotel, in cooperation with private car company owners.
Anti-Narcotics Measures
Arrests and Drug Seizures:
- Recent Actions: In the past three months, 137 people have been arrested, and various narcotics, including hashish, heroin, and crystal, have been confiscated. This highlights the Sindh government’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking.
Public Involvement and Rapid Response:
- Complaint Hotline: A phone number (021-111-374-634) has been issued for public complaints about drug addicts. The Rapid Response Unit will promptly respond to reports, reflecting a proactive approach to public safety.
Student Testing:
- School and College Tests: Tests for narcotics will be conducted in educational institutions with parental permission. Positive results will be kept confidential, and only parents will be informed, ensuring privacy.
New Legislation:
- Drug-Free City Initiative: The Narcotics Department is drafting a new law aimed at making cities drug-free, demonstrating a long-term commitment to public health and safety.
Political Statements and Achievements
Critique of Opposition:
- Comments on Umar Ayub and NAB Beneficiaries: Sharjeel Inam Memon criticized Umar Ayub and others who have benefited from NAB amnesty schemes. He emphasized that the PPP leadership has never exploited such schemes and highlighted the unjust imprisonment of President Asif Ali Zardari.
Public Welfare Projects:
- Housing and Healthcare: The PPP is constructing 2.1 million houses, the world’s largest housing project, and has built some of Pakistan’s best hospitals in Sindh.
Transport Department Performance:
- Eid Inspections: During Eid, the transport department inspected over 5,000 vehicles. Transporters found overcharging were fined five lakh rupees, and seven million rupees collected as extra fare were returned to passengers.
Cultural Shift in Departments:
- Motor Registration Outsourcing: The Sindh government is considering outsourcing the entire phase of motor registration to improve efficiency and service delivery.
In summary, the Sindh government, under the leadership of Sharjeel Inam Memon, is taking significant steps to enhance public transport, enforce vehicle regulations, and combat narcotics. These measures are part of a broader strategy to improve public welfare and infrastructure in the province.
