Observer Report
Karachi
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday said that the ML-1 train line should be made fully functional in the next two years while the Karachi Circular Railway project should be completed in the next three months.
During the hearing, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar maintained that the completion of the railway within three months was not possible.
CJP Gulzar questioned why KCR has been added to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. “Owing to the financial situation, it was added,” the minister responded. Chief Justice then questioned the railway minister when KCR will be inaugurated, to which Shiekh Rashid responded saying whenever the court orders.
There will be dire consequences if the timeline given for the completion of the railway projects is not followed strictly, the court warned.
The railway minister informed the apex court that the ML-1 project tender was issued after a delay of 14 years, and will be completed in another five years. He said buildings were razed overnight to construct KCR and that the Sindh government was also cooperating.
The chief justice questioned why the project was handed over to the Sindh government. “KCR’s condition will replicate the condition of the transit system in Karachi. We thought we would construct a tram in Karachi after the construction of the Karachi Cirular Railways.”
CJP further stated that KCR falls under the federal government and must be operational as soon as possible. “
