KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah marked the National Working Women’s Day by recognising the significant contributions of women to the province’s economy and democracy.
In his message issued on the National Women’s Working Day, the CM lauded women’s equal role in national development, stating that the Sindh government acknowledges their indispensable contributions.
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 programmes in this regard.
He credited 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, Benazir Income Support Programme and various other initiatives.
The launch of the Pink Bus service, aimed at improving women’s transportation safety, was also mentioned by the Sindh CM in his message. Shah noted the appointment of a dedicated Ombudsperson to safeguard the rights and interests of working women in Sindh. The Sindh government, the CM affirmed, is actively working to create more employment opportunities for women.
The CM concluded by reaffirming the Sindh government’s dedication to fostering a safe and supportive environment for working women.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, concerned over the encroachment and parking issues, has ordered strict action against the mafia including removal of encroachments and illegal parking.
Officials said that Murad Ali Shah, without protocol, conducted a surprise morning inspection of the Malir Expressway’s 9-km stretch between the Jam Sadiq Bridge and Shah Faisal Interchange, demanding completion by the end of December so that it could be open for traffic.
Addressing the Karachi commissioner, DIG of Sindh Police and DMC representatives, he sternly warned regarding encroachments. “The project must be finished by December 30,” Shah said, directing Engineer Khalid Mansoor to expedite construction. He emphasized 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 CM Murad Ali 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 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 Sindh 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], 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 Sindh 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.
Published in News Daily on 23 December 2024.