THANKS to the unwavering interest being demonstrated by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, there is now a possibility that much-talked-about and delayed projects of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and ML-I would see light of the day soon. Hearing the case pertaining to the losses incurred by Pakistan Railways, a three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmad has given a deadline of three months for completion of KCR and two years for ML-I project, warning that there would be dire consequences if the timeline for the purpose was not adhered to strictly.
While ML-I project has the potential to give a boost to the overall economy of the country, the KCR can contribute to alleviate transportation problems of people of Karachi and indirectly contribute to the national economy as well. KCR functioned as an efficient mass transit system in Karachi between 1969 and 1999 but was, unfortunately, allowed to become dysfunctional due to lack of commitment and vision both by the provincial and federal governments as well as Pakistan Railways. Its revival should not have been a problem especially when Japan has repeatedly offered assistance for the purpose but vested interests, including transport mafia, are creating hurdles in the way of its revival. Even now when the top court of the country has taken keen interest in its revival and is issuing necessary directives to ensure removal of bottlenecks, there are influential elements lobbying against the project in the name of safeguarding interests of those who have built properties illegally on the land owned by PR. Some MPs of the ruling party are vowing to fight for their voters (encroachers) and even Minister for Planning Asad Omer is offering excuses of financial constraints. One wonders for what purpose we are collecting taxes if we cannot spare money for vitally needed projects with clear economic benefits and relief for people. Similarly, China is willing to finance ML-I and it now depends on our ability and efficiency to grab the opportunity of its speedy implementation in view of its huge benefits.
