A fresh batch of buses procured for Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit system has been stuck at the port for nearly two months due to a tax-related disagreement, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon revealed. The delay has raised concerns about timelines for the city’s evolving transport network.
According to the minister, the buses are currently held at Karachi Port because authorities are charging an 18 percent duty on the consignment. He claimed that a similar procurement by Punjab was subjected to a significantly lower tax rate, prompting Sindh to seek parity.
Memon confirmed that the provincial government is in active discussions with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to resolve the issue. He maintained that the buses ordered by Sindh are identical in specifications and capacity to those acquired by Punjab, and therefore should qualify for the same concession.
“The matter is being followed up daily,” he stated, emphasizing that efforts are underway to secure relief and release the vehicles without further delay.
The minister shared these details during a review of the Red Line BRT project. He acknowledged that the project previously faced the risk of suspension due to soaring costs triggered by inflation, currency depreciation, economic slowdown, and rising material prices such as cement. Despite the financial strain, he described the decision to continue as necessary for Karachi’s long-term development.
The Red Line is being positioned as a strategic investment aimed at serving the city for decades. With Karachi’s population and traffic congestion steadily increasing, officials argue that modern public transport infrastructure is critical for sustainable urban growth.
Memon clarified that most of the allocated budget has been spent on infrastructure development rather than the buses themselves. He dismissed allegations of irregularities, stating that delays in certain sections stem from genuine implementation challenges and logistical complexities. The Sindh government, he added, is closely monitoring progress.
Regarding timelines, he said officials have been instructed to resolve issues on surrounding roads before Eid. A 2.7-kilometre stretch impacted by the K-IV Augmentation pipeline is expected to be completed by April. Work along University Road and Jinnah Avenue is projected to conclude within the next two to three months, although some related components may extend for another year and a half.
The minister also provided an update on the transport corridor along Shahrah-e-Bhutto, which is expected to reach Quaidabad by late March or early April, with plans for further expansion toward the M-9 motorway.
He further noted that contractor disputes linked to the Red Line were settled through negotiations, resulting in savings for the province. According to Memon, financial demands were carefully reviewed to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility.
