Karachi Division

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.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced that work on the 480 kilometre Rohri Karachi railway track will commence in September this year, with an estimated cost of $2 billion, marking a major step towards modernising Pakistan’s rail infrastructure.
The minister made the announcement while addressing a ceremony in Karachi held to mark the launch of The International School Pakistan Railways Campus, an initiative aimed at providing world class education under a framework of national collaboration and shared growth. The event was attended by Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, Secretary Railways Mazahar Ali Shah, and other senior officials.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Abbasi described the Rohri Karachi section as one of the most challenging railway tracks, originally constructed in the 1860s. He said the government, under the directives of the prime minister, has prioritised its rehabilitation to improve safety, efficiency and operational capacity. The foundation stone for the project is expected to be laid in September.
The minister also outlined broader efforts to upgrade railway infrastructure, including improvements to stations, platforms and passenger facilities. He revealed that a comprehensive digitisation process of Pakistan Railways is underway and is expected to be completed within a month, aiming to enhance transparency and service delivery.
Abbasi further disclosed that Pakistan Railways has signed an agreement with the Punjab government to expand and modernise rail services across the province. The initiative includes the introduction of fast and regional train routes as well as modern, state of the art rolling stock. Under the agreement, the Punjab government will provide advanced Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) locomotives.
In addition to domestic upgrades, the minister highlighted plans to expand international rail connectivity. He said Pakistan is set to initiate development of a railway link connecting Central Asia and Europe via Iran. Work on the 900-kilometre Rohri Naukundi section has already begun, while the tendering process for the 87 kilometre Naukundi Taftan track is in progress.
Responding to queries, Abbasi noted that a separate project to connect Thar coalfields to the railway network is also underway. The rail link between Islamkot and Chhor is expected to be completed by the end of the year, which will facilitate the transportation of coal and support energy production.
Commenting on regional developments, the minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have gained global recognition, particularly in easing tensions in the Middle East. He credited the country’s leadership and armed forces for playing a key role in promoting peace and stability.
Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, speaking at the event, emphasised the importance of Pakistan Railways as an affordable mode of transport for the public. He added that the rail network plays a vital role in connecting different regions of the country, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening national unity.
Officials and experts view the Rohri Karachi upgrade as part of a broader strategy to revitalise Pakistan Railways, improve logistics and support economic growth through enhanced connectivity both within the country and beyond.