Sindh govt actively working on addressing Karachi’s problems: Sharjeel

The Sindh government is actively working on addressing Karachi’s problems, said senior minister for transport & mass transit, excise & taxation, narcotics control and information Sharjeel Memon during a media briefing at the Directorate of Electronic & Social Media on Thursday.

Memon said illegal bus stands operating for the past four decades have been dismantled, with all the bus stands relocated to the Karachi Bus Terminal outside the city. A free shuttle service has been introduced for the first time to transport passengers to the terminal, he added.

He said work is progressing on the Red Line and Yellow Line bus rapid transit projects to increase travel options for millions of residents. By the end of December, Green Line will also be transferred to the provincial government, he added.

He announced that the excise department is running a campaign to check unregistered and tax-defaulter vehicles across the province, saying that this month alone 22,103 vehicles were inspected, with 115 found to be unregistered and 1,304 tax defaulters, so they were impounded.

He said documents of 1,472 vehicles were seized, adding that Rs10.065 million was collected in taxes from tax-defaulter vehicles, along with fines amounting to Rs873,000, resulting in a total collection of Rs10.938 million.

He also said Sindh is set to enforce a policy for the first time in Pakistan’s history where no unregistered vehicle would be allowed on roads. Legislation is being introduced to ensure that no unregistered vehicle plies any street, with a bill already having been presented in the assembly that is under review by the standing committee, he added.

He announced that the second auction of premium vehicle registration number plates, as a fundraising initiative, would be held on December 1, saying that this auction is open to people all over Pakistan, not just Sindh.

He pointed out that the proceeds from the auction would be dedicated to building houses for flood victims. He said that under the Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees project, 2.1 million houses are being constructed.

He mentioned that an online auction of premium number plates is also under way, and that anyone can register and participate by visiting premiumnumber.excise.gos.pk. He stressed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is currently leading the way in various sectors, including health, housing and education. He remarked that the PPP’s efforts have been recognised internationally, with IBA Sukkur receiving an international award, and the housing project also earning international accolades.

Memon said international organisations continue to not only commend the work of the provincial government but are also actively offering their support. However, he added, despite these positive developments, propaganda is consistently being directed against Sindh. He said the Sindh police have launched a strict crackdown on the display of illegal number plates, police lights, vehicles with tinted windows, and illegal weapons, with 20 vehicles having been impounded and 18 people detained.

He added that Rs1,563,440 has been imposed on 1,520 vehicles, while 27 cases related to the illegal display of weapons have been registered, with 29 weapons seized and 34 suspects detained.

He also said the Narcotics Control Wing has intensified its actions against drugs, preparing for a large-scale crackdown in Karachi and Hyderabad. Additional forces are being brought in from other districts for support, while police will also collaborate with the Narcotics Control Wing wherever needed, he added.

He warned that the situation is about to get tougher for drug dealers and users. He urged them to repent, as enforcement would become more severe each day. He stressed that action would be taken in accordance with the reports received, whether drugs are used in private gatherings or even at home, because no one is above the law.

He also stressed that those involved in drug dealing should take heed, as severe consequences await if they are caught. He pointed out that operations against drug peddlers have already begun, starting with universities.

He said some university employees involved in drug peddling have been arrested, adding that efforts to combat narcotics are afoot on a daily basis. He also urged parents to monitor their children’s activities closely.

Imran ‘irrelevant’

Replying to a query, Memon expressed surprise over the purpose of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan calling for a protest to be held on November 24.

“I want to ask why this call is being made. Imran Khan claims that after the 26th constitutional amendment, certain provisions are not favourable to him, and the PTI has objections to certain extensions.

“This is the same Imran Khan who, after receiving what he describes as a ‘fake mandate’ in the controversial 2018 elections, himself gave extensions. When his power was fading, he even told General Bajwa that he was willing to offer him a lifetime extension.

“Now people listen to Imran Khan with one ear and dismiss it with the other. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the entire government machinery is being used, but in Sindh, no strict action is taken against processions.

“Even in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, people did not turn out for his protest call. The public has stopped taking Imran Khan’s calls seriously. What does Imran Khan want to prove by calling for a protest? “Is he attempting to create an atmosphere of anarchy in the country? The economy is improving, and yet the PTI leadership seems determined to create chaos.

“The misbehaviour towards former chief justice Qazi Faez Isa, and the tragic incident involving Khawaja Asif are examples of the type of politics Imran Khan has promoted. This kind of politics has dangerous consequences. Imran Khan has polluted the political landscape of Pakistan.

“A true leader is one who educates his people, but Imran Khan has instead taught them to use harmful language, which has led to increasing intolerance in society. Politics, which should be based on reasoned arguments and principles, has now degenerated into empty rhetoric.” Responding to another question, the minister said the police raided a private TV channel’s office, stressing that the police have the authority to conduct raids anywhere.

He offered an apology to the private TV channel if nothing significant was found during the raid. He clarified that such news falls under the category of fake news. Replying to a query about Khan’s statement regarding US president-elect Donald Trump, he said the PTI tried to create a narrative based on slogans like “we are not slaves”, “cipher” and “absolutely not”.

However, he added, now half the PTI has gone to America in hopes of securing relief for Khan by any means. He emphasised that every country has its own priorities, and no country has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign nation. “Imran Khan is the liar who misled the people and attempted to drive a wedge between Pakistan and a foreign country.