KARACHI: Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh government is actively working to address traffic problems in Karachi. The illegal bus stands that were operating in the city for the past 40 years have been dismantled and all bus stands outside Karachi have now been shifted to Karachi Bus Station. For the first time, a free shuttle service was introduced to take passengers to the station. In addition, work on the new Red Line and Yellow Line BRT projects is progressing to enhance travel options for millions of citizens in Karachi. By the end of December 2024, the Green Line service will also be transferred to the Sindh government, a press release said.
Sindh Minister for Information, Transport, Excise, Excise and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, at a rally press conference at the Directorate of Electronic and Social Media in Karachi, announced that the Excise Department is currently conducting a drive to check unregistered and tax-delinquent vehicles across Sindh.
In November alone, from November 1 to date, the department has inspected 22,103 vehicles. Among them, 115 people were found to be unregistered, while 1,304 people were tax defaulters and were subsequently detained. The documents of 1,472 vehicles were confiscated. A total of Rs 1 crore 65 lakh taxes were collected from the tax defaulting vehicles, along with fines amounting to Rs 8 lakh 73 lakhs, resulting in a total collection of Rs 1 crore 9 lakhs 38 lakhs.
He stated that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, Sindh is set to implement a policy stating that no unregistered vehicle will be allowed on the road. Legislation is being introduced to ensure that no unregistered vehicle is operated on the streets. The draft law has already been submitted to the Assembly and is now under review by the Standing Committee.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the second auction of distinctive number plates, as a fundraising initiative, will be held on December 1. This auction is open to participants from all over Pakistan, not just Sindh. The proceeds from the auction will be allocated to building homes for flood victims. Under the Sindh People’s Housing Corporation project, announced by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, houses are being built for 210,000 flood-affected families.
An online auction for distinctive number plates is also underway, he said. Anyone interested can register and participate by visiting the portal at premiumnumber.excise.gov.pk. He stressed that the PPP is currently leading the way in various sectors, including health, housing and education. The public-private partnership efforts have been recognized internationally, with IBA Sukkur receiving an international award, and the housing project also receiving international awards.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that international organizations not only continue to praise the work of the Sindh government but also actively extend their support. However, despite these positive developments, there was constant propaganda directed against Sindh.
He stated that on the directives of the Home Ministry, Sindh Police launched a strict crackdown against display of illegal number plates, police lights, vehicles with tinted windows and illegal weapons. So far, 20 vehicles have been confiscated and 18 people detained. A total fine of Rs 15,63,440 was imposed on 1,520 vehicles. In addition, 27 cases of illegal display of weapons were registered, with 29 weapons confiscated and 34 suspects arrested.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Anti-Narcotics Wing has intensified its action against drugs. For the first time, this wing is being activated dynamically, in preparation for a large-scale crackdown in Karachi and Hyderabad. Additional forces are being brought in from other regions to support these efforts. The police will also cooperate with the anti-narcotics wing wherever needed during the operations.
He warned that the situation is about to become more difficult for drug traffickers and users, as the crackdown intensifies. He urged them to repent, because the execution would become more severe every day. Necessary action will be taken wherever reports are received, whether drugs are being used in private gatherings or even at home – no one is above the law. He stressed that those involved in drug trafficking must be careful, as dire consequences await them if they are caught. Operations against drug traffickers have already begun, starting with universities. Some university employees involved in drug smuggling were arrested. Efforts to combat drugs continue daily. He also urged parents to closely monitor their children’s activities.
Replying to a question, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon pointed out that Imran Khan had called for a protest on November 24. He expressed surprise, questioning the purpose behind this invitation. According to Memon, Imran Khan claims that certain aspects of the 26th Constitutional Amendment are unfavorable to him, and PTI has raised concerns over some of the extensions. He pointed out that this is the same Imran Khan who took office himself after obtaining what he described as a “fictitious mandate” in the controversial 2018 elections.
Replying to a question, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon expressed surprise at Imran Khan’s call for protest on November 24. He said Imran Khan called for protest on November 24, which is surprising. I want to ask why this call is being made. Imran Khan claims that after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, some provisions are no longer in his favour, and PTI has objections to some extensions. This is the same Imran Khan who himself was granted extensions after obtaining what he described as a “fake mandate” in the controversial 2018 elections. As his power began to wane, he told General Bajwa that he was willing to extend his service for life. Now, people listen to Imran Khan with one ear and ignore him with the other. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the entire government machinery is used, but in Sindh, no strict action is taken against the processions. Even in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, people did not come out to participate in his protest call. The public has stopped taking Imran Khan’s calls seriously. What does Imran Khan want to prove by calling for protest? Is he trying to create an atmosphere of chaos in the country? The economy is improving, yet the PTI leadership seems determined to create chaos.
The misconduct towards former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa and the tragic incident involving Khawaja Asif are two examples of the kind of politics promoted by Imran Khan. This type of policy has serious consequences. Imran Khan has polluted the political scene of Pakistan. A true leader is one who educates his people, but Imran Khan instead taught them to use harmful language, which led to increased intolerance in society. Politics, which should be based on rational arguments and principles, has now turned into empty rhetoric.
In response to another question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the police raided a private channel, and asserted that the police have the authority to conduct raids anywhere. He apologized to the private TV channel if nothing important was found during the raid. Memon explained that such news falls under the category of fake news.
Responding to a question about Imran Khan’s statement on Donald Trump, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the PTI movement tried to create a narrative based on slogans like “we are not slaves”, “blade” and “absolutely not”. However, now half of the PTI has gone to America hoping to secure relief for Imran Khan by any means. Each country has its own priorities, and no country has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign country. Imran Khan is a liar who misled people and tried to drive a wedge between Pakistan and a foreign country. He used public funds to open the marinas, but did nothing to justify his opposition. Imran Khan hired in-country lobbying firms that he had previously criticized, and then another country lobbied around the world on his behalf. While we respect the legal right to protest, we will not tolerate any form of vandalism such as what occurred on May 9.
In response to another question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon explained that there are reports indicating that some components of imported medicines are being manufactured locally. He added that several gangs involved in drug smuggling were arrested. Memon urged the public to stay away from drugs and stressed the importance of avoiding involvement in such illegal activities.
