PM announces Rs15bn for Karachi 'Green Line' bus project

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced a package for the development of a fast and efficient metro bus system, Green Line, for Karachi during his visit to discuss issues related to security with the Sindh government. The premier said that the federal government is aware of the transport issues faced by the financial capital. Speaking to media representatives, the premier said the federal government was keen to revolutionise Karachi's transport system. The prime minister also announced that the federal government would immediately release Rs15 billion for development of metro bus routes, while the remaining cost would have to be borne by the City District Government Karachi (CDGK). PM chairs meeting on Karachi law and order Prime Minister Sharif also chaired a meeting over Karachi's law and security situation at the official residence of Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad. According to sources, the prime minister reprimanded ministers over the worsening law and order situation in the city. The premier showed displeasure over the way the affairs were being run by the Sindh government. He asked why the directive of shifting the Karachi’s anti-terrorism courts to the city’s Malir Cantonment area was not implemented. Moreover, Prime Minister Sharif came down hard on the Sindh government and questioned why the construction of a high-security prison and purchasing of modern weapons for police had not been done. The premier was flanked by Federal Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Central Information Secretary for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Senator Mushahidullah Khan and party member Abdul Hakim Baloch. During the meeting, the premier was also briefed on Karachi's rapid transport plan. The prime minister is in Karachi for a one-day visit, primarily to review the law and order situation in the city. Earlier, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah welcomed the premier at the airport. Soon after arriving in the city, the prime minister went to the residence of Nawab Charagh Marri and expressed condolence over the death of Baloch leader Khair Bakhsh Marri.