Arteries of Karachi: Turkey offers assistance in establishing tram service

KARACHI: Government of Turkey would assist Pakistan in bringing tram service at Karachi's MA Jinnah Road and II Chandigarh Road as Turkish Consul General Tolga Ucak offered Administrator Karachi Iftikhar Ali Shallwani his country's support for the project.

In a meeting held at Karachi Metropolitan Corporation office here, Shallwani expressed gratitude to the Turkish Consul General for tendering the support to provide better transport facilities to the people of Karachi. Turkish Consulate's Eyyub Yildirim was also present on the occasion.Tram service is considered as one of the most important part of mass transit across the globe as the people use it to commute, which is also fuel-saving. Turkish city Istanbul is also known for tram service and Karachi could also be desired place for the tourists owing to tram service on pattern of Istanbul.

Shallwani said that keeping in view the need to bring in cheaper and faster transport system, they both agreed to introduce tram service at Karachi's two most busiest arteries MA Jinnah Road and II Chandigarh Road. He said that further development would be done after more consultation.

The Consul General also offered their support for uplifting of libraries in Karachi and said the Turkish government is ready to fully cooperate in this regard.

Earlier, the Administrator welcomed Tolga Ucak as both discussed matter of mutual interests. The Consul General also congratulated Shallwani on taking charge as Administrator Karachi.

"Turkey is our brother Islamic country and both the countries have exemplary relations," Shallwani said. He also thanked Tolga Ucak for tendering the support for tram service and uplifting of libraries in the city.

He was of the view that the Supreme Court had already passed directives to run tram service in Karachi, adding that historical reputation of the city would be restored after operating of tram service. Shallwani said that efforts are being made to make Karachi a centre for tourists like Istanbul and the cooperation of Turkish government in this regard is highly commendable.

"Turkey is our brother Islamic country and always helped Pakistan in our difficult times and Pakistani people highly regard relations with Turkey. Karachi is a heart of Pakistan and the country's development lies in the city's uplift. Cooperation of Turkey and other developed countries in projects of Karachi would surely bear fruitful results," he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020