PPP leader says he prays for Imran’s health, cautions PTI against abusive language on social media
Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon speaking to media during a visit to the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project near the old vegetable market in Karachi PHOTO: EXPRESS
KARACHI:
Sindh Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Sunday that he prays for the health and long life of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan, while noting that Khan’s release depends on his own conduct.
Speaking to the media during a visit to the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project near the old Sabzi Mandi in Karachi, Memon urged the party to remain focused on securing his release and cautioned against abusive language on social media.
“Disagreement is a democratic right, but abusive language is not acceptable,” he said, adding that prominent anchors also display similar behaviour that can affect families and children.
Memon’s comments come amid mounting concern over Khan’s health. The PTI expressed deep concern over reports that he might be transferred to a hospital without informing his family, calling such actions a violation of legal procedures and human rights. His sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed a brief call arranged between Khan and his sons and reiterated calls for his immediate transfer to a hospital with qualified specialists.
Talking about the BRT Line, Memon said that despite political commentary, Sindh’s BRT teams are working day and night, even during Ramazan, to keep the project on track. He stressed that buses currently held in customs are part of ongoing challenges that must be addressed to ensure the timely completion of the Red Line project.
Read: Sharjeel slams hateful speeches at Governor House
“Punjab has charged one per cent on buses, while we face 17 per cent. Buses of equal capacity should be subject to the same duty,” the minister said, calling for uniform customs duties based on seating capacity and said the issue has been raised in court and with customs authorities.
The minister emphasised the importance of completing infrastructure projects despite political pressures and rising inflation, describing them as critical for Karachi’s long-term development.
Memon said the project’s stations are being redesigned and that new buses have been held in customs for the past two months.
Memon said delays in the Red Line project have been caused by these obstacles, but added that it remains a priority. “This is a project for the next 40 to 50 years,” he said, adding that side roads will be completed before Eid and 2.7 kilometres of road work will be finished by April.
He noted that work on underpasses and other major infrastructure projects in Karachi is ongoing in collaboration with the Federal Works Organisation (FWO) and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
Memon also called for restraint in public discourse regarding the Governor House, describing it as a constitutional institution responsible for strengthening federal-provincial relations. He urged individuals, including Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar, to speak responsibly and said the ethics of political debate must be maintained.
