Karachi [Pakistan], December 7 (ANI): The Sindh Assembly witnessed opposition lawmakers criticising worsening traffic and transport conditions in Karachi and Hyderabad, while the provincial government reiterated plans to extend public transport on major routes, Dawn reported.
MQM-P legislators pointed to persistent problems in their constituencies, including limited transport options, poor garbage collection and water shortages. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who heads the transport department, said buses run by the Sindh government are public assets meant for citizens and announced plans to expand bus services to all main roads in the province. He added that stricter traffic laws and higher fines have been introduced to improve compliance and road safety.
MQM-P’s Sabir Qaimkhani complained of a lack of buses in Hyderabad, and Ijazul Haq highlighted inadequate transport in Orangi Town. Memon said the government aims for equal development across constituencies regardless of political affiliation. He also argued it was unfair to immediately blame heavy vehicles in collisions involving motorcycles and condemned the burning of vehicles after accidents, calling for a behavioural shift among the public. Memon announced a taxi service to be launched in the coming weeks and noted that batteries in electric buses carry a seven-year warranty and would be replaced by the company if damaged within that period.
Separately, MQM-P’s Jamal Ahmed raised concerns about worsening water shortages in North Nazimabad, while Shariq Jamal alleged substandard materials were being used in road works in Malir Colony. Rashid Khan of MQM-P congratulated General Asim Munir on becoming the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff, prompting chants of “shame, shame” from members of the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council; Jamaat-i-Islami’s Muhammad Farooq said some appeared eager to “secure their jobs” and refused to offer congratulations.
In a call attention notice, MQM-P’s Amir Siddiqui criticised the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, claiming garbage was not being removed from residents’ homes. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Qasim Siraj Soomro responded that 127 sanitary workers and 146 waste bins had been deployed in the constituency.
Another notice from MQM-P’s Qurat-ul-Ain sought information on security for tourists in Sindh, particularly along Karachi’s coast. Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said coastal security is mainly the responsibility of the Coast Guards, but police pickets have been established and the provincial government is considering creating a Sindh Maritime Police force, Dawn reported.
Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah adjourned the sitting until Monday. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
