THIS refers to the news report ‘Inclusivity and economic revitalisation needed for sustainable urban mobility’ (Feb 15). The reporter has misquoted me during the workshop on ‘Climate efficient urban mobility and smart city growth’ organised by Shehri-Citizens for Better Environment (CBE) in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Pakistan.

The quote which was wrongly attributed to me was — “Ashraf Lakho, chief consultant, Sindh Mass Transit Authority, said that the government had been following research and surveys conducted by the Japan Inter-national Cooperation Agency (JICA) several years ago with eyes closed. The JICA master plan was for 2013 and it is 2019 now. Why are we following it now? he said.”

However, the correct statement was: “The JICA’s master plan envisaged from 2009-2012 is being followed by the transport and mass transit department with some modifications as per the requirements of Karachi’s transportation issues and needs.

“The Sindh government through its consultants in collaboration with other key stakeholders is updating the plan which will be incorporating land use plan considering the transit-oriented development, which is a major component of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, transport and mass transit department.”

Ashraf Ali Lakho
Chief Consultant Transport & Mass Transit Department
Government of Sindh

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2019