Sindh Province

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday presided over a high level meeting at the CM House to assess the progress of key road infrastructure projects being executed under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), while also setting priorities for the upcoming development cycle.
During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that five major road projects, collectively valued at over PKR 140.9 billion, are currently in progress under a joint funding arrangement between the federal and provincial governments. These projects include the extension of the Sindh Coastal Highway, rehabilitation of the Rohri /Guddu Barrage road, dualisation of the Tando Allahyar/Tando Adam road, dualisation of the Mehran Highway (Nawabshah/Ranipur), and the upgradation of the Sanghar/Rohri (N 5) road.
Authorities reported that while some projects have achieved steady physical progress, others remain in tendering or initial execution stages. So far, PKR 17.94 billion has been released in the current fiscal year, with overall spending gradually picking up pace.
The chief minister directed all concerned departments to accelerate work and address bottlenecks delaying project timelines. He particularly emphasised the need for timely relocation of utility infrastructure—such as gas pipelines, electricity lines, and water channels which has been hindering progress in certain areas.
Murad Ali Shah made it clear that delays caused by administrative inefficiencies or technical issues would not be tolerated. He instructed departments to enhance coordination and ensure that all schemes are completed within stipulated timelines. Stressing the importance of quality, he said the projects must meet durable construction standards to deliver long term benefits.
Highlighting the strategic importance of road infrastructure, the chief minister noted that improved connectivity would enhance trade, reduce travel time, and support economic growth across agriculture, industry, and regional markets.
The meeting also reviewed proposals for the upcoming PSDP cycle (2026–27), which include new road initiatives aimed at further strengthening connectivity across upper and lower Sindh. Officials were directed to ensure strict monitoring of ongoing projects and the efficient utilisation of development funds to achieve tangible economic and social outcomes.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The contractor of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project has approached the constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court after the Sindh government sealed its project office and construction site following the termination of its contract.
The petition, filed on Wednesday, seeks the immediate desealing of the site, arguing that the action by authorities was unlawful and has left expensive machinery stranded and unused at the location.
A day earlier, the Sindh government announced the termination of the construction contract for the Karachi-based project, citing persistent delays, unsatisfactory performance, and violations of health, safety, and environmental standards.
According to the contractor’s counsel, Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed, the Red Line Lot 2 contract had been awarded to a joint venture comprising Pakistani and Chinese firms. He argued that delays in the project were primarily due to the government, stating that the project design was handed over late and the construction site was provided to the contractor after a delay of 30 months.
The counsel further informed the court that a dispute resolution board had previously held the government responsible for delays and awarded Rs3.7 billion in additional costs to the contractor. He maintained that the sealing of the office and site carried out by local authorities including the mukhtiarkar, police, and the Deputy Commissioner (East), was done without legal notice and amounted to an abuse of power.
The contractor requested the court to order the immediate restoration of access to the site. However, a verbal request for urgent relief was declined.
During the hearing, the court appointed a bailiff to visit the BRT Red Line project site and directed that a detailed inventory of the machinery present be prepared and submitted. The bailiff’s fee was fixed at Rs200,000, to be paid by the petitioner. Notices were also issued to TransKarachi, the Sindh government, the mukhtiarkar, police, and the Deputy Commissioner (East). The hearing was adjourned until April 29.
Meanwhile, TransKarachi defended the government’s decision, stating that strict action was taken due to slow progress on Lot 2 of the project. In an official statement, it said the contract awarded to the CR3 and AMS Associates joint venture was terminated due to continuous delays, unsatisfactory performance, and violations of safety and environmental standards.
The statement added that a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), during a recent visit, had raised serious concerns regarding the contractor’s performance, pace of work, and compliance with occupational health and safety requirements. It further noted that construction work on the Mosmiyat to Numaish corridor, part of Lot 2, was found to be below the required standards.
TransKarachi said formal procedures for contract termination were underway and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring timely completion of infrastructure projects through strict monitoring and accountability.
The BRT Red Line is a multi million dollar project estimated at $503.3 million. Funding includes $235 million from the Asian Development Bank, $71.81 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, $71.81 million from the French Development Agency, as well as a $11.8 million grant and $37.2 million in loans from the Green Climate Fund. The Sindh government is contributing the remaining $75.71 million.
The foundation stone for the project’s first and second phases, covering bus procurement and civil works was laid in August 2022, with initial completion targeted for 2024. However, the timeline has since been extended to the end of 2026 due to ongoing delays.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has directed the immediate issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction of the Malir Halt underpass in Karachi.
A high-level meeting was held between the Chief Minister of Sindh and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, which was attended by Sharjeel Memon, Nasser Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, and other senior officials.
During the meeting, it was agreed to restore the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and suburban train services. It was also decided to launch new train services from Karachi to Rohri and Karachi to Jacobabad.
The Chief Minister of Sindh stated that Karachi urgently needs an efficient and affordable public transport system to provide better travel facilities to citizens. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said that all relevant institutions will work jointly to modernize and make the railway system more reliable.
The Chief Secretary highlighted that the Sindh government wants to construct an underpass at Malir Halt, but the project could not begin due to delays in the issuance of NOC by the railways.
Taking immediate action, the Railways Minister directed that the NOC for the Malir Halt underpass construction be issued without delay.