Latest news with #Memon
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
World Bank team inspects Yellow Line BRT project
KARACHI: A high level delegation of World Bank visited the Yellow Line BRT project site office and inspected the ongoing construction near Jam Sadiq Bridge, Karachi Upon arrival at the site office, the delegation was received by Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, and Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo. The World Bank delegation comprised Regional Vice President Usman Deoni, Country Director for Pakistan Bolorma Amangabazar, Regional Practice Directors Fadia Saada and Almood Weitz, Operations Manager Gellius Draugelis, Special Assistant to the Regional Vice President Lubna Hadji, Operations Officer Hina Saleem Lotia, and Senior Executive Assistant Waleed Anwar. A meeting also convened upon the delegation's arrival at the Yellow Line BRT project site office. Sharjeel Inam Memon briefed the delegation comprehensively about the project, highlighting its importance, effect, and current status. He said that the Yellow Line BRT is a visionary and strategic project for Karachi, it will facilitate fast, affordable, and safe travel. The project will extend from Shahrah-e-Noor Jahan to the Korangi Industrial Area and Landhi and will serve millions of commuters on a daily basis. He stated that the Yellow Line will not only enhance citizen mobility but also stimulate economic activity. 'We aim to complete this project in line with international standards, with facilities comparable to those found in major global cities.' Memon emphasised that only electric buses will run on the Yellow Line BRT to ensure it remains fully environmentally friendly. He noted that Pakistan's first electric bus service and the Pink Bus Service for women were introduced under their leadership and are now operating successfully. Electric buses, he added, will significantly reduce environmental pollution and lead to substantial savings in fuel costs. He further said that an electric scooter program is being launched to give a boost to women, and in response to which, more than 8,000 applications were received. A major food chain company is also coming on board with the government to offer training, making sure women are well-equipped to be part of the scheme. Memon further said that this project is not merely a transport initiative; it's the groundwork for a social revolution. He also noted that work is progressing on the Karachi Circular Railway and the Karachi-to-Sukkur High-Speed Rail projects. He stated that to encourage investment, special economic zones have been established where investors are granted a ten-year tax exemption. While the rising value of the dollar has undoubtedly impacted the construction costs of the BRT project, the government remains committed to overcoming this challenge. The World Bank team commended the speed, vision, and quality of the Yellow Line BRT project and reiterated that Karachi, being a major city, needs more transport initiatives. They also expressed interest in the public-private partnership model and described the Sindh government's efforts as positive and forward-looking. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Homes for flood-hit families: Sindh People's Housing Scheme ‘largest' project in world: Sharjeel
HYDERABAD: A major ceremony was held at Rawal House, Rahooki in Tando Jam under the Sindh People's Housing Scheme, where ownership rights of newly constructed homes were distributed among flood-affected families. Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, attended as chief guest and addressed the event. He said this is not a routine gathering but a 'historic message being sent to the world that the Pakistan Peoples Party is a symbol of public service.' He asserted that the Sindh Peoples Housing Scheme is not just the largest in Pakistan but the largest such project in the world, aiming to provide free homes to 2.1 million families. He said the initiative stems from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's vision, formed after visiting flood-hit areas in the aftermath of the devastating 2022 rains. Acting on Bilawal's direction, the Sindh government made immediate arrangements to provide permanent housing for those affected. The minister acknowledged the initial scepticism about the feasibility of building so many homes, but noted that Bilawal Bhutto made it clear that 'this is not a political statement but a commitment to public service these homes must be built.' Following extensive planning and engagement with the World Bank and international agencies, the massive housing programme began. A distinctive feature of the scheme, Memon said, is that ownership rights are being granted in the names of women, to empower them and ensure stability within families. Those awarded today, he said, had lost everything and endured harsh conditions in temporary camps, but now thanks to the Peoples Party government's efforts they have secure homes and financial support channelled through bank accounts. He added that the Sindh scheme is unprecedented in scale, noting that while 800,000 homes were rebuilt after the Nepal earthquake, Sindh's programme delivers 2.1 million. 'It deserves recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records,' he said. Memon also highlighted other PPP government initiatives, such as the only Cyber Knife equipped hospital providing free cancer treatment, and efforts to install solar panels in flood victims' homes to address electricity shortages. He announced a new programme 'Maash' for employment and economic empowerment will be launched soon. Paying tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari on his 70th birthday, Memon cited landmark achievements, including the 18th Amendment, NFC Award, Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan, and Benazir Income Support Programme, and the country's turnaround from wheat importer to exporter. He maintained that the Peoples Party considers public service a duty rather than a favour, and challenged rival parties to point to any single comparable completed project. Sindh Assembly member Imdad Pitafi and Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Abbasi also addressed the ceremony, affirming that 99% of the 45,000 homes targeted for Hyderabad division have been completed. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of property documents to deserving women. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Capital widens vehicle emission drive
Excess diesel emissions are killing tens of thousands of people every year. PHOTO: AFP The Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) has expanded its vehicle emission testing initiative across the federal capital, urging citizens to ensure their cars meet environmental standards. The campaign aims to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality by enforcing mandatory inspections and maintenance. According to the spokesman of ICT administration, the ITA is actively conducting vehicle inspections under its Vehicle Emission Testing System. A dedicated inspection camp was recently set up at D-Chowk, where a large number of citizens brought their vehicles for testing. According to ITA Chairman Irfan Memon, the inspection drive began with vehicles belonging to government departments. In the next phase, the initiative was extended to include private vehicles owned by citizens. He noted that participation from the public has been encouraging, with many residents acknowledging the importance of checking vehicle emissions to protect the environment. Vehicles that pass the emission test at the camp are issued clearance stickers. These stickers indicate that the vehicle meets the required environmental standards. Irfan Memon emphasised that this step is necessary to control pollution levels in the city, and it is being executed with the help of advanced machinery. "The inspection process isn't limited to one area. We plan to expand it throughout the city using modern equipment," he further said. The ITA chief urged all vehicle owners to voluntarily present their cars for inspection and warned that vehicles failing the inspection or not maintained properly after testing will face strict action. "The ITA will conduct joint operations with Islamabad Traffic Police to take action against vehicles without clearance stickers. This is a collective effort to improve the city's air quality and ensure that only compliant vehicles remain on the roads," Memon added. The ITA's initiative is part of broader efforts to address increasing environmental concerns, especially rising pollution from unregulated vehicle emissions. The campaign reflects the city's commitment to sustainable urban living and public health protection. To further raise awareness, the Islamabad Transport Authority plans to launch an outreach campaign through schools, community centres, and local media to educate the public about the health hazards of vehicular pollution. Informational pamphlets, social media messages, and public service announcements will emphasize the link between air quality and respiratory health, encouraging more citizens to take part in the emission testing drive.
Business Recorder
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh launches second phase of People's IT programme
KARACHI: The Sindh government has launched second phase of People's IT programme to educate youth in accordance with the modern digital era. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the commencement of Phase II of the People's IT programme (PITP), with a dedicated budget of Rs 1.4 billion. He stated that People's IT programme has emerged as a model digital initiative, aiming to integrate Sindh's youth into the global digital economy. Memon highlighted that in the programme's first phase, 13,565 students received training in advanced IT disciplines, while 300 top-performing students were awarded Google Chromebooks and laptops as recognition of their achievements. The second phase is set to train 35,000 students across 12 high-demand digital sectors, further strengthening the province's digital workforce. He added that the unprecedented higher education budget reflects the government's commitment to equipping youth with cutting-edge skills and ensuring their preparedness for the professional world. Sharjeel Memon termed the educational reforms a cornerstone for the brighter future of young people and a catalyst for Sindh's socio-economic progress. To increase the employability and to fill the supply gap for industry-ready skilled resource, a series of Human Capital Development Programme through Information Science and Technology department, Government of Sindh, has been initiated. One of the said programmes is going to equip the non-ICT graduates/under-graduates/equivalent (having Basic Computer and/or Programming Knowledge) with emerging technologies and soft skills by the ICT Faculty and Industry Professionals that will help them in enhancing the number and quality of HR workforce available to Pakistan IT.
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Strike observed across Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: In response to the call by the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), the nationwide protest held on Saturday, 19th July, against the excessive powers granted to the FBR and its harassment-oriented policies toward the business community, proved to be a complete success in Hyderabad as well. All major commercial areas of the city, including Anjuman Tajiran Hyderabad, Cloth Market, Bangles Industries, Saddar Bazaar, Resham Bazaar, Anaj Mandi, Market Tower, all Mobile Market Associations, Chotki Ghitti, Tilak Chari, Faujdari Road, Station Road, Lajpat Road, Phuleli Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Nusrat Bazaar, Faqeer Ka Par, Advani Gali, Qazi Qayoom Road, Latifabad, Qasimabad, Tando Jam and other market areas, remained completely shut in solidarity. President of HCSTSI Saleem Memon, extended his heartfelt thanks to the entire trader community, unions, associations, and chambers of Hyderabad for making this peaceful and exemplary protest a resounding success. He particularly expressed his gratitude to Jamshoro Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Shaheed Benazirabad Chamber of Commerce, Dadu Chamber of Commerce, Larkana Chamber of Commerce, Kotri Association of Trade & Industry, Nooriabad Executive Club and Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade & Industry for their unwavering support and solidarity in this movement. President Memon also thanked all the market unions and associations across Hyderabad who fully participated in the strike. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
