Karachi (HRNW)- Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, presented the resolution of the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Conference 2026, in the Sindh Assembly, which was unanimously approved by the House. Speaking during Question Hour, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that clear instructions have been issued to Health Department ambulances regarding the circumstances under which sirens and lights may be used. According to him, sirens are used only while picking up a patient and transporting him to the hospital.
He said that the process of purchasing additional new buses is underway in the Transport Department. Some buses are currently available at the port, while the Sindh government has approved 500 more buses. Providing better transport facilities to every citizen, he said, is a top priority of the Sindh government.
He stated that in Karachi, the DIG Traffic issues instructions to the Transport Department and traffic officials regarding traffic signals, while implementation is the responsibility of the Transport Department. Twelve new traffic signals have been installed across the city, including Model Colony, Gulberg, Tahir Villas, Comprehensive School, Tipu Sultan Road, Guru Mandir, Mochi Mor, Kamran Chowrangi, Munawar Chowrangi, Steel Town, Township Crossing, and Madrasah Chowk Sparko. He added that work is also underway on the traffic smart system and smart city project. Some signals are automatic, while others are manual, depending on requirements. Signal contracts are awarded based on experience through transparent bidding under CEPRA rules.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon termed the shuttle service an effective initiative of the Sindh government. He said that earlier, buses used to operate up to the President and Taj Complex, causing severe traffic congestion. By shifting bus stands outside the city, a free shuttle service has been introduced for citizens, transporting passengers to the Karachi Bus Terminal. He noted that the government does not bear any cost, as the service is provided by transporters.
Regarding motor vehicle inspection, he said that fitness certificates were previously issued manually, with no proper record, and even vehicles from KP and Balochistan obtained certificates from Sindh. The entire system has now been computerized, and no vehicle can operate on the roads without computerized fitness certification. He said that earlier there were only two motor vehicle inspectors in Sindh, whereas inspection centers have now been established across the province. In 2025, strict action was taken against unfit vehicles. According to statistics, 2,935 dumpers, 2,138 oil tankers, 183 tractors, 13,918 trawlers, 30,917 trucks, and 6,109 water tankers were challaned. A total of 56,200 vehicles were proceeded against, and fines amounting to Rs 82.168 crore were collected.
Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh Chief Minister has directed all departments to improve performance. Automated certificates have replaced the manual system, making the process more transparent and beneficial for the public. He added that PTA and RTA issue route permits for public transport. Previously, vehicles operated on fake route permits, but the system is now fully automated, with complete records maintained by the government. Unfit vehicles are taken into custody and are only allowed back on the road after meeting fitness requirements.
He highlighted the availability of modern facilities and 24-hour inspection at the Karachi Bus Terminal and said that traffic issues caused by U-turns at Sohrab Goth have been resolved. He directed transport department officers to immediately dismantle illegal terminals in Larkana. He said that every city in Sindh, including Karachi, requires buses, and serious work is underway on mass transit projects such as the Red Line and Yellow Line.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that no new route permits are being issued, and expired permits are not being renewed, on routes where government buses are operating. He referred to Pakistan’s first EV bus service and the Pink Bus service exclusively for women, describing them as part of a long-term strategy. In the Yellow Line and Red Line projects, he said, 5 percent of the expenditure is allocated to buses and 95 percent to infrastructure, as mass transit is essential for a growing population.
He said that around 200,000 people travel daily on Sindh government buses, while daily ridership on the Green Line has increased from 50,000 to 80,000 to 85,000 passengers. The Orange Line and Green Line have been integrated to eliminate double fares. Pink buses are operating for women on BRT routes, which is encouraging greater female participation in public transport.
Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh government has launched a free EV Scooty scheme. Previously, only 150 women in Sindh held motorcycle driving licenses, while 15,000 women have now applied. Women with valid licenses will be provided free EV scooties. He added that positive international media coverage followed the launch of the Pink Bus service, describing these initiatives as practical examples of women empowerment.
He said that facilities for persons with disabilities have been provided in buses and double-decker vehicles. Several mega projects are underway in Karachi, with KMC and local governments actively involved, while the Sindh government is addressing road-related issues wherever they arise. He added that the Chief Minister of Sindh has allocated a regular budget for Karachi’s infrastructure.
