Sharjeel tells Sindh Assembly: Biogas plant will still be installed under BRT project
KARACHI: Lawmakers in the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday raised concerns over environmental regulation, delays in mass transit projects, the plight of kidnapped Pakistani seafarers, and persistent gas and electricity load-shedding amid extreme heat, as the House took up private members’ business alongside a wide-ranging debate on public transport.
During question hour, Sindh Senior Minister for Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon told the House that the provincial government aimed to expand affordable and comfortable transport across Karachi and the rest of the province, with future government-run buses operating on electric vehicles instead of biogas.
Responding to questions, he said a biogas plant would be installed under the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, although the gas produced would not be used for bus operations. Tenders for the plant would be floated next month. He attributed delays to changes in project design, including the transition from diesel to gas and electric buses, and to unresolved issues with utility agencies and no-objection certificates.
Providing operational details, the minister said daily ridership on the Green Line had increased from 50,000 to 95,000, while Orange Line passengers had risen from 2,000 to 9,000. He said contracts for the People’s Bus Service, Pink Bus and EV buses were awarded transparently, with procurement handled through a federal government company. Under a public-private partnership model, the provincial government provides per-bus subsidies and plans to induct another 500 buses, for which advertisements have already been issued.
Members from the opposition and treasury raised questions about coverage gaps, contractor performance and timelines. MQM’s Shariq Jamal complained that government buses did not serve his constituency. In reply, the minister said the province currently had 423 government buses and that many privately operated vehicles had been declared unfit following the establishment of a fitness centre.
Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker, Muhammad Farooq questioned when the Red Line would be completed, noting that no BRT project had been finished in the last 15 years. MQM’s Adil Askari sought details of contractor costs, including the roles of Amin Jan and the Frontier Works Organisation. The minister said Amin Jan was responsible for 30 per cent of the project, with another contractor handling the remaining 70 per cent, adding that some matters could not be discussed publicly.
Allegations that a biogas contractor and consultant had absconded were rejected by the minister, who said no tender had yet been awarded and asked members to provide specific details if available. Acknowledging public inconvenience caused by construction, he apologised and said competent officers, including the chief executive officer of TransKarachi, had been appointed. He also highlighted provincial initiatives for women, including free pink scooters. Turning to Private Members’ Day, the Assembly adopted and disposed of several resolutions reflecting broader public concerns. PTI legislator, Sajjad Ali Soomro presented a resolution calling for promotion of solar panel and advanced battery manufacturing, along with legislation to ensure proper disposal of used batteries. With government backing, the resolution was unanimously adopted, underscoring environmental and public health considerations.
Energy-related grievances dominated other motions. A PPP’s MPA alleged prolonged electricity outages in Lyari and accused K-Electric of failing to meet its commitments despite substantial revenues. The matter was deferred for a dedicated debate. Separately, PPP’s Asif Moosa moved a resolution against unannounced gas load-shedding across Karachi, citing hardships faced by schoolchildren during extreme heat. The Speaker referred the issue to a parliamentary committee with instructions to summon gas utility officials.
The House also took up a resolution by MQM member Maaz Mehbub regarding the alleged abduction of 11 Pakistani seafarers by Somali pirates. The law minister said the matter fell under federal jurisdiction and urged withdrawal, which was accepted.
Other motions included calls for age relaxation in government jobs, formation of anti-harassment committees, timely provision of textbooks, adjustment of summer vacation schedules, and enhanced women’s representation in standing committees.
Some were withdrawn after ministerial assurances, while a resolution seeking women’s inclusion in committees was unanimously approved. The session, presided over by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, was adjourned until Friday at 10 a.m.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026