“The right turning of the underpass has been widened. All roads will be linked through overhead ramps and high-tension power lines will be shifted to other place. This will, however, take a year or so.”
Dr Ibad, describing it a good project, observed that this city needed many more underpasses and flyovers to cope with problem of traffic jam. “We will also build an underpass at Sharea-i-Faisal and various points are being considered in this regard. A study is also in the pipeline for an underpass at Nagan Chowrangi to check accidents,” he added.
In reply to a question, Dr Ibad said the government was making all efforts to ensure fair and transparent election in a peaceful atmosphere. “We are monitoring law and order very closely in relation to the polls,” he said, adding that army could also be called out to maintain the law and order if needed.
“The government has detected various corruption cases against elected representatives and departmental action in this regard will be taken as the government does not want to disturb the election process by indulging in this matter,” he maintained.
Regarding the Karachi nazim’s apprehensions viz-a-viz appointment of caretakers, the governor said that development work would not be hampered after such appointments. About holding of the all parties conferences (APCs), he said it was good sign in a democratic society. He further stated that he himself would convene an APC before the elections, maybe in the Governor’s House.
He said that local bodies elections would not be delay and a schedule would be announced after budget meetings.
“The prime minister has given a clear statement yesterday (Wednesday) that elections will be held on time.”
He pointed out that preparations were under way, and said the chief secretary would appoint caretakers in place of nazims.
When his attention was drawn to the opposition’s statement that fair elections were not possible in his presence, he said: “this may be the opposition’s opinion. I don’t want to comment on it as the government is doing its job.”
Earlier, the governor was briefed about the pace of development work on the underpass project. He was told that a flyover could be constructed above this underpass if residents of the locality gave their consent.
He was apprised of a problem relating to the 4,500-metre-long underpass that traffic flow from Mai Kolachi Road towards Punjab Chowrangi would face stopping and diversion trouble at a 50-metre portion at Schon Chowrangi. It was feared that there could be traffic chaos at times.
The concerned officials told the governor that it had been decided to complete the first phase of the underpass and afterwards traffic would be diverted to some other side from the said road. This would minimize the possibility of traffic jam at the identified place.
It was also suggested that movement of heavy vehicles through the Schon Circle during day time and evening hours should not be allowed. The governor accepted the suggestion and directed the officials concerned to implement the same.
Adviser to the CM on Local Government Waseem Akhtar was also present on the occasion.
Later, Dr Ishratul Ibad visited Bagh Ibn-i-Qasim at Jahangir Kothari Parade, Clifton, and inspected development work. He asked the town administration to ensure lighting arrangement in the area and removal of billboards after June 30. He also went to the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi and offered fateha. —PPI/APP