Bilawal wants people to be assured govt will stand by them in times of need

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon at the Bilawal House on Tuesday.

Memon briefed the PPP chairman on the steps taken to publicise the Sindh government’s performance. He said the Sindh Information Department had been performing well its duties to highlight the continued steps of the provincial government to serve the public.

He informed Bilawal that public transport services were being expanded in the province and that the masses’ issues were being resolved.

Bilawal said that in addition to resolving public issues, it was equally important to let the masses know that the government stood with them wherever they needed any help from the state.

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab also met the PPP chairman at the Bilawal House.

The mayor briefed Bilawal on the recent step of the Sindh government to upgrade the Karachi Medical and Dental College.

He recalled that constructing the Karachi Metropolitan University in District Central of the city was one of the dreams of former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

He told Bilawal that the scholarship facility had been extended to dozens of deserving students of the metropolitan university.

The PPP chairman praised the move to set up the metropolitan university in District Central. He directed that Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in District Central should be upgraded to match the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto about this public health facility.

Separately, the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, met the PPP chairman at the Bilawal House and briefed him about the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The governor informed Bilawal about the “unjust” conduct of the federal government regarding the resources of KP. He also briefed him about the law and order situation in KP. The PPP chairman directed the KP governor to hold an all parties’ conference on the unjust attitude of the federal government towards provincial resources and the law and order situation in the province.

Also on Tuesday, Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon inaugurated the Command and Control Centre for the People’s Bus Service.

The centre, established at D-43, Block 2, Clifton, under the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, will facilitate live-tracking, monitoring, and operational management of the People’s Bus Service across Sindh.

Speaking at the inauguration, he said that the Command and Control Centre would ensure proper monitoring, provide timely instructions, and enhance the convenience of passengers. He highlighted that live video surveillance would oversee passenger comfort and staff conduct.

The system is also designed to address complaints about fare overcharging, theft, or lost belongings, which can now be resolved with the help of recorded footage.

“This modern command and control system is the first of its kind in Sindh, bringing us closer to international standards of public transport management,” the minister said.

He added that complaint numbers have been introduced, enabling passengers to report issues promptly and ensure their resolution. He said that introducing a card system for purchasing tickets has already made travel easier for passengers. He assured the citizens that further improvements in public transport facilities are on the horizon.

Addressing the media, the minister criticised political forces planning protests on November 24, accusing them of attempting to destabilise the country. He specifically mentioned allegations of coercion against politicians to bring crowds to Islamabad. “These elements want to create chaos and repeat tragic incidents like May 9, which was a dark day in Pakistan’s history,” he said.

He also expressed concerns over plans for constructing canals on the Indus River. He said Sindh is already facing a severe water shortage. “Our stance on this issue is firm and unwavering,” he said.

Minister Memon emphasised the importance of using technology responsibly regarding the potential ban on VPNs. He criticised certain political groups for allegedly engaging in “digital terrorism” on social media and urged positive utilisation of such tools.

He said the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) commitment to press freedom, highlighting that despite facing media trials during its tenure, the party never imposed bans or restrictions on the media. He also clarified that while the PPP is not an ally of the federal government, it has supported democratic processes unconditionally for the country’s progress.

He pointed out the importance of projects like the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, which connects Pakistan to its ports, as vital national priorities.

The minister announced the continuation of an anti-drug operation, under directives from the PPP leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse in the province.

Highlighting Karachi’s recent progress, Memon spoke about an ongoing international exhibition showcasing Pakistan as a safe country. To accommodate the event, temporary route adjustments have been made to the Peoples Bus Service, which would be restored post-exhibition. He also announced plans to introduce double-decker buses to Karachi’s public transport system soon. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Secretary Transport Sindh Asad Zamin, MD Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Hakeem Dayo, and other senior officials.