The Sindh Government has announced that the Malir Expressway will now be officially called the “Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto Expressway,” honoring the late Prime Minister and prominent political leader. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab shared details of the traffic regulations, stating that while heavy and regular vehicles will be allowed, motorcycles and rickshaws will remain prohibited.
The first phase of the expressway, spanning 9 kilometers, is complete and is set to be inaugurated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on January 11. This phase will open the route from Qayyumabad Chowrangi to Shah Faisal Colony Interchange.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who personally inspected the project in December, emphasized the importance of timely completion and removal of encroachments along the route. He instructed officials to ensure the expressway’s readiness by the end of December, including the installation of road lighting and additional safety measures.
Once operational, the expressway will significantly reduce travel time between Jam Sadiq Bridge and Jinnah Terminal to just 15 minutes. It will also enhance connectivity between Shah Faisal, the airport, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and the National Highway, while ensuring a smooth and secure commute with strategically placed security checkpoints. The second phase of the project aims to extend the route to Kathore, further improving the city’s transport network and alleviating traffic congestion.
Chief Minister Shah has described the project as a “game-changer” for Karachi’s infrastructure and a critical step towards resolving the city’s long-standing traffic challenges.
