Karachi,February 22, 2026 : Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that despite several challenges, continuing the Red Line BRT project was a difficult but a success. The situation had reached a stage where the project was being considered for suspension due to a sharp increase in costs. Inflation had risen, the economy was in recession, the dollar had appreciated, and cement prices had gone up. It was a point where deciding whether to continue or halt the project was extremely difficult.
He expressed these views while speaking to the media during a review of the Red Line BRT development work. Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, CEO TransKarachi Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, and other officials were also present on the occasion.
He said that the Sindh government decided that this project is not only for today but for the next forty to fifty years. It is being built for future generations to improve transport and mobility, keeping in view the growing traffic and population of Karachi. Such projects will make travel easier in the years to come.
Sharjeel Inam Memon said that 99 percent of the project’s expenditure is on infrastructure, with very little spent on buses or rolling stock. Despite all challenges, work on the project continued, and people are now acknowledging that real progress is being made. Delays or incomplete sections were not due to negligence or malpractice, but because of genuine difficulties. The Sindh government itself is monitoring the entire project.
He said that instructions have been issued to resolve problems on surrounding roads before Eid. Roads on both sides will be improved soon. Efforts are being made to complete the project, particularly in the University Road area, as early as possible. The 2.7-kilometre stretch affected by the augmentation of the 4K will be completed by April.
The senior minister said that several major projects are currently underway in Karachi. The facility on Shahrah-e-Bhutto will be completed up to Quaidabad by the end of March or the first week of April, and will later be extended to the M-9. This will significantly ease traffic flow for citizens.
He said that work is ongoing on several underpasses in Karachi, while KMC, with the support of the Sindh government, is also working on various roads to improve internal connectivity. Development work is being carried out on a large scale, and the mayor himself is visiting and monitoring these projects.
He said the government is working across all sectors to address the city’s challenges, including health, transport, KMC, and institutions such as the Water Board. All departments are taking steps to provide better facilities and improve service delivery.
He said that while some people try to create despair or indulge in politics, the Sindh government’s intentions are clear. Shortcomings are acknowledged where they exist, but the goal remains to complete projects so that citizens can enjoy a better quality of life. Development work is also progressing in other districts, and efforts are being made to address challenges across the province.
In response to a question, he said that the Red Line project is very large and includes the construction of stations, which is a critical part of the work. Initially, the focus was on completing the corridor to address major traffic issues caused by narrow roads and congestion. Now that the corridor is ready, priority is being given to completing side roads so traffic can move smoothly along University Road. This section is expected to be completed by the end of March, while the 2.7-kilometre stretch passing through the Water Board area is expected to be completed in April. After that, traffic will be able to move smoothly along the main corridor.
He said that issues with contractors were resolved through negotiations, resulting in savings for the government. Simply accepting contractors’ demands would have been easier, but instead, all matters were carefully reviewed, and mediation was used where necessary to ensure transparency and protect public funds. Work is now progressing, with the University Road and Jinnah Avenue sections expected to be completed within two to three months, while some BRT-related work may take another year and a half.
In response to another question, he said that blue rickshaws are operating in Karachi under court orders, and BRT stations have been redesigned. New buses are also being procured, but their clearance has been delayed at customs for the past two months, and discussions are ongoing.
He said that he hopes the same customs duty applied to the Punjab government will also apply here. While Punjab was charged only one percent, Sindh has been charged eighteen percent. The buses have been stuck at the port for two to three months, and the matter is being followed up daily. The FBR has been informed that the bus specifications and capacity are the same as those ordered by Punjab, and if that is the case, Sindh should receive the same concession.
In response to another question, he said that he does not know when Imran Khan will be released. He prayed for his health and well-being during the blessed month of Ramadan. Other issues will also be resolved in due course. His release is a matter for the legal system. He added that some individuals within PTI appear more focused on personal agendas rather than making serious efforts for his release, and party leaders should work together sincerely on this issue.
He said that one of the biggest challenges is the attitude seen on social media and at the public level. PTI supporters and some leaders often attack institutions and individuals, crossing acceptable limits. If language and behavior are improved, many issues can be resolved, as abusive language not only harms opponents but also affects their families and children. He said that some media anchors and leaders make statements that are inappropriate and negatively influence the public. By adopting moderation in language and thinking, political problems can be addressed and public trust can be rebuilt.
In response to another question, he said that the Governor House is a constitutional institution meant to promote harmony between the federation and the provinces, and unnecessary meetings should not be held there.
He said that Farooq Sattar’s political career over the last two to three years is before everyone. He described him as a humble person, adding that neither Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui nor Mustafa Kamal was willing to accept him.
In response to another question, he said that the commitments made were not mere promises but formal agreements between two parties. It is important to assess which commitments have been fulfilled and which have not, and the federal government should take this into consideration.
In response to another question, he said that the same principles should apply to PTI’s social media and other platforms. Differences of opinion and criticism are acceptable, but moral boundaries should not be crossed. Discussions should remain issue-based, personal attacks should be avoided, and all workers should show respect for leadership despite differences. Efforts should focus on the party’s cause or the leader’s release, without resorting to abusive or offensive language.
