Sharjeel Memon promises action on judicial commission report

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has assured that anyone found responsible for negligence in the Mir

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has assured that anyone found responsible for negligence in the Mir Raza murder case will face punishment. He stressed that the mistake of an individual should not be attributed to an entire department.

In a statement, Sharjeel Memon said a judicial commission had been formed under a decision of the Sindh cabinet to investigate the case. The commission’s report was presented at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, following which Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah constituted a committee of three senior ministers to examine its findings.

The committee comprises Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, Saeed Ghani and Nasir Hussain Shah. Sharjeel Memon said the members would review the report and brief the cabinet on their findings. He added that the government would ensure implementation of the judicial commission’s recommendations.

The senior minister defended the performance of the Sindh police, saying the department had solved several major criminal cases. He noted that Karachi had faced terrorism, target killings and extortion in the past, adding that such incidents occurred not only in the city but also elsewhere in Pakistan and around the world.

However, he emphasised that the police were responsible for conducting transparent investigations and ensuring that those found guilty were brought to justice.

Sharjeel Memon described the Mir Raza case as a lesson for the police, saying investigators should avoid rushing through cases and instead conduct thorough investigations before reaching conclusions.

The case has also faced delays in the legal process, with the investigating officer reportedly failing for the third time to submit the final charge sheet.

Speaking about Karachi’s transport infrastructure, Sharjeel Memon said the Orange Line project was ready, while work on the Red Line project had progressed after difficulties along University Road eased.

He said work on University Road had been particularly challenging, although some of the problems had now been addressed. However, encroachments remained an issue.

According to the minister, the most difficult and disruptive phase of the Red Line project had been completed. Construction of stations and the depot remains to be carried out.

Sharjeel Memon said work on the Yellow Line project was also due to begin, while the second section of the Jam Sadiq Bridge was expected to be completed soon.

He warned that construction work on the Yellow Line could cause traffic congestion and inconvenience for commuters. He apologised to residents in advance for the difficulties they might face during the development work.

The minister clarified that the Green Line was originally a federal government project that had subsequently been handed over to the Sindh government. He said passenger numbers had increased following the transfer.

He added that the Orange Line, Red Line and Yellow Line projects were being undertaken by the Sindh government as part of its efforts to improve public transport in Karachi.

Sharjeel Memon announced that a large number of double-decker buses were expected to arrive in Karachi in November, describing the development as part of the provincial government’s continued efforts to address the city’s transport challenges.

He said the government was also expanding transport facilities for women through Pink Bus services and the provision of free pink scooters.

According to the minister, around 50,000 women had applied for motorcycle driving licences, while more than 25,000 licences had already been issued to female applicants.

He said these initiatives were intended to improve women’s mobility and provide them with more convenient transport options across the city.

Sharjeel Memon further said the Sindh Transport Department was constructing a truck terminal near the Northern Bypass to improve the management of heavy vehicles and transport operations in Karachi.

He also announced that a project to treat water and make it suitable for use had been launched.

Regarding municipal services, the minister claimed that nearly 95 per cent of Karachi’s cleanliness-related problems had been resolved. He said the government was continuing its efforts to improve public services and address the city’s longstanding infrastructure and transport issues.