KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday morning paid a surprise visit to the Malir Expressway’s nine-kilometre-long stretch between the Jam Sadiq Bridge and the Shah Faisal Interchange and set yet another deadline for its completion.

The chief minister ordered the relevant officials to complete the first phase by the end of this month (December) so that it could be open to traffic.

“The project must be finished by December 30,” Mr Shah said, directing engineer Khalid Mansoor to expedite construction.

Speaking with the Karachi commissioner, DIG and local government representatives, Mr Shah also warned them regarding encroachments.

Directs police, local administration to remove illegal structures along the expressway

He emphasised the importance of removing all illegal structures and parking along the expressway, from the Shah Faisal Interchange to the airport, to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The Malir Expressway, according to Mr Shah, will reduce travel time between the Jam Sadiq Bridge and Jinnah Terminal via the Shah Faisal Interchange to just 15 minutes. He reiterated his commitment to clearing encroachments from Shah Faisal Interchange all the way to the Karachi airport.

“This high-speed expressway will be restricted to vehicles only; motorcycles and rickshaws will be prohibited. Security checkpoints will be established to manage heavy traffic and maintain safety,” the CM announced.

Highlighting the expressway’s importance as a vital corridor for commuters and cargo transport, linking Shah Faisal, the airport, Sharea Faisal, and the National Highway [towards Link Road and Thatta], Mr Shah pledged to accelerate work on the remaining section extending from Shah Faisal to Kathore following the inauguration of this first phase.

The chief minister concluded by announcing a follow-up night inspection, instructing officials to install and activate road lighting along the entire expressway before his return.

The project is envisioned as a transformative initiative to alleviate Karachi’s chronic traffic congestion and improve city-wide connectivity.

‘Support for working women’

The chief minister marked National Working Women’s Day by recognising the significant contributions of women to the province’s economy and democracy.

He lauded their equal role in national development, stating that “the Sindh government acknowledges their indispensable contributions”.

Mr Shah highlighted Sindh’s commitment to supporting working women, claiming the province has implemented more initiatives in this area than any other. He cited several key programs.

He credited former prime minister Benazir Bhutto with establishing the First Women Bank and mentioned the PPP government’s ongoing efforts to empower women through agricultural land distribution, housing ownership certificates, and the Benazir Income Support Program and various other initiatives.

Mr Shah spoke about the appointment of a dedicated ombudsperson to safeguard the rights and interests of working women in Sindh.

The launch of the Pink Bus service, aimed at improving women’s transportation safety, was also mentioned by the CM.

The Sindh government, the CM affirmed, is actively working to creating more employment opportunities for women.

The chief minister concluded by reaffirming the Sindh government’s dedication to fostering a safe and supportive environment for working women.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2024