Electric buses to ply on roads once again: says Sharjeel

By Syed Wahaj Ahmed

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that electric buses will ply on roads of Karachi once again as their chargers have arrived and will be operational from tomorrow.

“The government is consistently taking measures to provide optimal transport facilities to locals and in this regard, another fleet of buses will arrive at Karachi tomorrow,” he said.

He said this while speaking to journalists during a joint press conference with Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister for Investment and Public-Private Partnership Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar held at the Archives Complex Clifton here on Sunday.

The minister stated that, according to directives of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, the government is committed to expanding the number of buses in order to enhance urban transport facilities. He mentioned that the new buses will be replacing the older ones.

He said that the bus monitoring APP which has been launched has made people’s lives easier in this era of inflation. He said that the Sindh government has undertaken a significant work in mega projects.

What’s more, he said that Sindh government hospitals offer state-of-the-art health facilities and medical treatment to all locals and even foreigners, belonging to Afghanistan, Iran, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and others.

Meanwhile, speaking about the Dhabji Special Economic Zone (DSEC), he said that the zone is commencing operations with a view to generating numerous investment and employment opportunities. He said that investors and businesspeople are being facilitated through a streamlined one-window operation process and there is also a high likelihood of establishing an electric bus plant in Sindh.

Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister for Investment and Public-Private Partnership Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly environment for investors and businesspeople. He mentioned that the Sindh government has dedicated all-out efforts to develop the DSEC, while underscoring their commitment to this endeavor over an extended period.

“The development work of the DSEC will commence on July 15, marking a significant milestone that has been achieved. The zone offers a tax holiday for a stipulated period of 10 years. Establishing the zone is expected to generate jobs, bolster up the national economy. The zone is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and is being constructed under a Public-Private Partnership model,” he said.

Mentioning the track record of the government, he said that the government successfully completed such projects through public-private partnerships.

Sharing details of the DSEC with media persons, the Sindh government has provided the land, while the designated developer is responsible for its development. He said that the zone which spreads an extensive area of 1,500 acres is strategically located in a close proximity to the Port Qasim, Karachi Airport and the main railway track as it is a gateway to the interior of Sindh as well.  Considering its advantageous location and promising prospects, he expressed confidence that it would emerge as the most successful economic zone in the country.

“The PPP-led government is excelling in all sectors. The government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, is tirelessly striving for the development of the province,” the minister said.

Talking about forests, he said that the Sindh government’s efforts in preserving mangroves have been acknowledged and recognized internationally, the Sindh government has undertaken substantial initiatives in the realm of urban forests.

While highlighting health facilities, he said that the Sindh government has exclusively provided the best treatment in government hospitals. The quality of healthcare services in Sindh government hospitals is of such high standards that individuals do not require a health card. He mentioned that the government hospitals in Sindh offer free-of-cost treatment including the world’s most expensive cyber knife and transplant procedures.

He said that the Sindh government planned to organize an investment moot in the province soon as it is aimed to showcase the natural resources available in Sindh and to attract investments, while inviting foreign investors in this conference.

He also stressed need for redirecting youth population towards constructive activities for the betterment of the province.  He said that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has discussed issues of employment and education opportunities for the youth during his foreign visits to various countries. He highlighted the efforts of PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, while describing him as the “King of Reconciliation” as Zardari has promoted a message of reconciliation to all. The message of “Pakistan Khappe” signifies a unity, reconciliation and development.

He said that the Sindh government also planned to establish IT institutes, colleges, and universities in each division of the province and this initiative aimed to empower the youth and enable their progress in the IT sector.

Replying to a question, he said that the Sindh police are conducting operations in the Katcha areas of the province with a view to eliminating robbers and highwaymen aimed to restore peace to the areas and give relief to people.

Answering another question about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he commented that the PTI did not exhibit patriotism by attempting to hamper the signing of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).