Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon revealed on Sunday that a new fleet of buses for Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been delayed at customs for the past two months due to a tax dispute, stating the provincial government has been charged an 18 percent duty while Punjab received a concessionary rate of only one percent for a similar procurement.
Speaking to the media, the Provincial Minister for Information and Transport confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He stressed that the buses ordered by Sindh have the same specifications and capacity as those acquired by Punjab and argued that the same tax concession should be applied. “The matter is being followed up daily,” Memon stated.
During a review of the Red Line BRT development, Memon disclosed that the project had previously faced potential suspension due to a sharp escalation in costs driven by high inflation, economic recession, dollar appreciation, and rising cement prices. He described the decision to proceed as “difficult but a success.”
The Sindh government ultimately chose to continue the major transport initiative, viewing it as a crucial investment for the next forty to fifty years. ‘It is being built for future generations to improve transport and mobility, keeping in view the growing traffic and population of Karachi,’ he explained.
Memon highlighted that 99 percent of the project”s expenditure is focused on infrastructure rather than rolling stock. He attributed delays and incomplete sections to “genuine difficulties” rather than malpractice and affirmed that the provincial government is directly monitoring all progress.
Providing an update on timelines, the minister announced that instructions have been issued to resolve issues on surrounding roads before Eid. The 2.7-kilometre stretch impacted by the augmentation of the 4K pipeline is scheduled for completion by April, while the University Road and Jinnah Avenue sections are expected to be finished within two to three months. However, he noted some BRT-related works could extend for another year and a half.
Another major project, the facility on Shahrah-e-Bhutto, is anticipated to be completed up to Quaidabad by the end of March or early April, with a future extension planned to the M-9 motorway.
Memon also mentioned that contractor-related disputes on the Red Line project were resolved through negotiations, resulting in financial savings for the government. He emphasised that instead of simply accepting contractors’ demands, all matters were reviewed carefully to ensure transparency.
In response to a query, he acknowledged that blue rickshaws are operating in the city under court orders and that BRT station designs have been revised accordingly.
Touching on political matters, Memon commented on the release of Imran Khan, stating it is a matter for the legal system to decide. He criticised some PTI members for appearing more focused on “personal agendas” and urged the party’s supporters to refrain from using abusive language on social media, advocating for issue-based criticism that respects moral boundaries.
When asked about federal relations, he asserted that commitments made between parties were formal agreements and called on the federal government to assess their fulfillment.