HYDERABAD: Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced to removing illegal bus stands from Hyderabad and the rest of Sindh under transport reforms.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held in connection with the World Sustainable Transport Day at the ISRA University on Wednesday, he said students were future heroes of the nation and added that youths could ensure progress of Pakistan if they were properly guided.

He praised the university’s contributions to Hyderabad and encouraged students to showcase their innovative ideas on managing public transport system. He commended sustainable transport projects presented by students, acknowledging their potential to transform Pakistan.

The minister highlighted what he termed the pioneering achievements of the Sindh government, including wind energy projects in Thatta and Thar coal for electricity generation. He said the coal project was initiated by late Ms Benazir Bhutto and revived by President Asif Ali Zardari in 2008.

Today, he said, thousands of megawatts were being produced from Thar coal project and was recognised by economists as a prime source of affordable electricity.

He assured the youth that Pakistan offered numerous opportunities, urging them to capitalise on their skills. He outlined the Sindh government’s initiatives under PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s leadership, including the People’s Bus Service, electric buses, women’s pink buses and skills training under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

He emphasised government’s commitment to expanding transport services by Yellow Line and Red Line BRT in Karachi, double-decker buses and electric taxis for youth employment.

Mr Sharjeel said the youth should not get disappointed as we would jointly make Pakistan a strong country and nation together. He urged them to take charge and contribute to Pakistan’s bright future.

Emphasising the importance of focusing on every sector to resolve Pakistan’s problems, he stated that if all departments worked efficiently, many issues could be addressed. He announced plans to discuss increasing student enrollment with the federation.

Speaking about the VPN issue, he discussed the dual nature of technology, advocating for introducing modern technologies like IT and AI to younger generation besides cautioning against misuse by ill-minded individuals.

About some protest plan by a political party, he stressed need for ethical demonstrations, condemning violence and damage to national institutions like parliament, Radio Pakistan and PTV. He warned that teaching violence to youth could lead to unintended consequences.

He said limited bus services were launched in Hyderabad with plans to expand People’s Bus Service to every major road in each city.

He reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to combating drug abuse, urging youth and students to stay away from them. He sought the support from the media and encouraged students to participate in politics, cautioning against exploiting youth for short-term gains.

He also planted a sapling on the campus and inspected sustainable transport projects by civil engineering students, praising their innovative ideas.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2024