Attempt being made to hold people hostage again on Nov 24: Sharjeel

HYDERABAD: Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon has hailed students as the nation’s future heroes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent to drive Pakistan’s growth.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony entitled ‘World Sustainable transport Day’, at Isra University’s Faculty of Civil Engineering Science on Wednesday, he praised the university’s contributions to Hyderabad and encouraged students to showcase their innovative ideas on Sustainable public transport. He commended sustainable transport projects presented by students, acknowledging their potential to transform Pakistan.

Memon highlighted the Sindh government’s pioneering achievements, including harnessing wind energy projects in Thatta and Thar coal for electricity generation, the coal project which was initiated by the late Benazir Bhutto and revived by President Asif Ali Zardari in 2008. Today, thousands of megawatts are being produced from the Thar coal project, recognized by economists as a prime source of affordable electricity.

He reassured the youth that Pakistan offers numerous opportunities, urging them to capitalize on their skills. He outlined the Sindh government’s initiatives under Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s leadership, including the People’s Bus Service, EV buses, women’s pink buses, and skills training under BISP.

The senior minister emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding transport services, including the Yellow Line and Red Line BRT in Karachi, double-decker buses, and EV taxis for youth employment.

The senior minister’s message to the youth was clear: Don’t be disappointed, we will make a strong country and nation together. With his inspiring words, Memon rallied the youth to take charge and contribute to Pakistan’s bright future. He emphasized the importance of focusing on every sector to resolve Pakistan’s problems, stating that if all departments work efficiently, many issues can be addressed. He also announced plans to discuss increasing student enrollment with the Federation.

Memon addressed the VPN issue, highlighting the dual nature of technology and advocating for introducing modern technologies like IT and AI to the younger generation, while cautioning against misuse by ill-minded individuals.

Regarding protests in country, he stressed the need for ethical demonstrations, condemning violence and damage to national institutions like parliament, Radio Pakistan, and PTV. He warned that teaching violence to youth can lead to unintended consequences. To a question, he said that an attempt is being made to hold people hostage again on November 24.

He also discussed transport reforms, announcing the removal of illegal bus stands in Karachi and plans to phase out others in Sindh, including Hyderabad. Limited bus services have been launched in Hyderabad, with plans to expand the People’s Bus Service to every major road in each city.

He reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to combating drug abuse, urging youth and students to stay away from drugs. He sought media support in this endeavor and encouraged students to participate in politics, cautioning against exploiting youth for short-term gains.

During the ceremony, he planted a sapling at Isra University Park and inspected sustainable transport projects by civil engineering students, praising their innovative ideas.

Bannu attack

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has strongly condemned the Khawarij attack on a checkpost in Bannu and expressed profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of 10 security personnel, including two FC officials, adds our correspondent.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, he said that the entire nation mourns the martyrdom of 12 brave soldiers in Bannu, adding that their sacrifices in the line of duty and for the peace of the country will never be forgotten.

He stated that we stand in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and extend our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the attack.

Memon said that the cowardly acts of terrorists cannot deter us from combating extremism. He emphasised that the nation will remain united and face such challenges with courage.