University Road development work to conclude within two months: Sharjeel

KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that the University Road project will be completed within the next two months, saying construction work has entered its final phase.

“Now we can say University Road has been built,” Memon remarked, expressing confidence that the long-awaited project would soon be completed.

He made the announcement on Sunday during the inauguration of the Mosamiyat Flyover, which forms part of the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani and Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad also attended the ceremony.

Memon said the completion of most of the work on University Road had eased the difficulties previously faced by commuters. He added that the Sindh government was pursuing development initiatives across Karachi, with various departments working on infrastructure and other projects.

Responding to criticism that development work was not taking place in the city, the senior minister said several projects were currently under way. He acknowledged that Karachi’s vast size presented significant challenges but also highlighted the city’s healthcare facilities, describing its healthcare system as the best in the country.

Speaking about the Red Line BRT, Memon said the Mosamiyat Flyover was a significant part of the project and would be opened to the public once the remaining formalities had been completed. He added that construction of BRT stations and other sections of the corridor was also progressing.

The minister acknowledged that the project had faced delays and apologised to Karachi’s residents for the inconvenience. He said multiple factors had contributed to the setbacks, while construction continued despite rising prices of the dollar, cement and petrol.

Turning to political demonstrations, Memon criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging that its protests had brought Islamabad to a standstill. He called on political parties to exercise their right to protest without disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens.

He said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had also organised demonstrations in the past, during which its workers were arrested, but claimed the party had avoided causing unnecessary difficulties for the public.

Asked about remarks by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Wasim Akhtar, Memon said the provincial government did not consider such statements significant. He also accused the MQM of engaging in political point-scoring.

The senior minister maintained that the government should focus on completing development projects instead of trading accusations with political opponents. He stressed that political parties must take into account the difficulties their actions could create for the public.