sindh assigns rs85bn
| | |

Sindh assigns Rs8.5bn karachi projects to FWO

ByJustpaste.in

The Sindh government has handed over four major infrastructure projects worth around Rs8.5 billion in Karachi to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), with work on three of the projects scheduled to begin on the ground in August.

One of the key projects involves the construction of a flyover or interchange near the Northern Bypass on the M-9 Motorway. The Sindh Local Government Department has started the process of obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the National Highway Authority (NHA) because the project will be built over the motorway.

The new interchange aims to improve traffic flow between Jinnah Avenue and Malir Cantonment Road and the routes connecting Hyderabad and Sohrab Goth Vegetable Market with Jinnah Avenue. Once completed, the facility will allow motorists to cross between both sides of the motorway without taking lengthy U-turns.

Authorities have estimated the cost of this project at Rs2.3 billion. The budget also covers the rehabilitation and beautification of Jinnah Avenue, which is expected to improve the overall appearance and connectivity of the area.

Another major project will see the construction of a flyover at an intersection on the M-9 near Al-Asif Square, providing a direct link to Abul Hasan Isphahani Road. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs2.1 billion, and construction is expected to formally begin in August.

The flyover will facilitate traffic arriving from different directions and is expected to ease congestion at one of the city’s busy intersections.

The government has also included the rehabilitation and improvement of roads along the Hawksbay corridor. The project covers an 8.5-kilometre stretch from the Y Junction to Machli Chowk, as well as the road extending from Machli Chowk towards Kaka Pir. Authorities have estimated the combined cost of these works at Rs4.162 billion, with construction also scheduled to begin in August.

In addition, the Sindh government plans to launch work on another major project at the Malir Halt Underpass soon. The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to upgrade Karachi’s road infrastructure, improve traffic movement and address congestion at key entry and exit points across the city.

The four projects, collectively worth approximately Rs8.5 billion, are expected to enhance connectivity and provide motorists with safer and more efficient routes across several important parts of Karachi.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Cabinet clears Rs1.8bn bureaucrats’ allowanc…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal cabinet has approved a new Rs1.8 billion special allowance for senior bureaucrats despite continuing austerity measures and limiting the salary increase for government employees to 7% in the 2026-27 federal budget. The decision was taken during the cabinet meeting that approved the federal budget in June. The new benefit is the second special allowance granted to top civil servants in the past four years. It comes at a time when the government is urging public institutions to reduce spending and maintain fiscal discipline. The newly approved incentive has been named the All Pakistan Services Provincial Governments’ Cadre Posts’ Parity Allowance. It will be effective from July 1, 2026. The approved allocation of Rs1.8 billion indicates that the allowance could be close to 100% of an officer’s basic salary, although the government has yet to announce the final rate and eligibility criteria. Officials have not publicly explained why the allowance was introduced or whether any formal study was conducted before approving it. Government departments also did not clarify the exact structure of the benefit. According to officials familiar with the matter, the allowance is intended to reduce differences in salaries and benefits between officers serving in the federal government and those working in provincial governments. Authorities believe many senior officers prefer provincial postings because they receive better financial incentives and additional privileges. The government also wants to encourage members of the Pakistan Administrative Service and the Police Service of Pakistan to continue serving in federal institutions by offering competitive compensation. However, the decision has drawn criticism from observers who argue that the move increases inequality within the public sector. While senior bureaucrats continue to receive additional financial benefits, the majority of government employees have received only a modest salary increase despite rising inflation and increasing living costs. Analysts believe the decision could encourage other civil service groups to demand similar allowances, putting additional pressure on the government’s finances and complicating future pay reforms. The cabinet also approved a major revision to the 150% executive allowance introduced in 2022. Instead of calculating the allowance on the 2017 basic pay scale, it will now be based on officers’ current basic salary as of June 30, 2026. This change will substantially increase payments for officers serving in grades 17 to 22 across key federal institutions. At the same meeting, the government extended austerity measures for another fiscal year. The restrictions include a ban on purchasing new vehicles and non-essential equipment, creating new posts, unnecessary foreign visits, and other non-priority expenditures. Government meetings and official events will continue to follow a simple catering policy.

  • | |

    Sam Asghari reveals future family plans with girlf…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sam Asghari is embracing a fresh chapter in life, and it appears the actor and fitness trainer is already thinking about what the future could hold with his girlfriend, Brooke Irwin. Nearly two years after finalizing his divorce from pop icon Britney Spears, Asghari says he is happier than ever and is carefully balancing his thriving career with his personal life.  The 32-year-old has been dating real estate agent Brooke Irwin since late 2024, with the couple making their relationship public shortly afterward. Since then, they have shared glimpses of their romance on social media and have frequently been spotted enjoying everyday outings together. Friends close to the pair describe their relationship as supportive, low-key, and built on mutual respect.  Speaking about his relationship in a recent interview, Asghari praised Irwin, calling her “amazing” and highlighting how supportive she has been during his busy acting schedule. While discussing whether children could be part of their future, he admitted that family is something he wants someday. However, he emphasized that his current focus remains on establishing himself in Hollywood before taking that major step. Asghari explained that creating a stable future is important before expanding his family.  The actor has also hinted that marriage is not off the table. In previous interviews, he acknowledged that he and Irwin have discussed the possibility of getting engaged, though the couple is in no rush. Instead, they are enjoying spending time together, traveling when their schedules allow, and building a strong foundation for the future.  Asghari’s optimistic outlook comes after a highly publicized split from Britney Spears. The pair ended their marriage in 2024 after seven years together as a couple. Despite their divorce, Asghari has consistently spoken respectfully about Spears, saying he will always appreciate the chapter they shared because it helped shape the person he is today.  Professionally, Asghari is equally focused on expanding his acting career. Alongside new film projects, he has expressed a desire to take on more meaningful roles that reflect his personal experiences and cultural background. As he continues to build his Hollywood career, it is clear that he hopes to create a future where both his professional ambitions and family dreams can thrive together. 

  • | |

    Pakistan, Spain discuss expanding trade, investmen…

    ByJustpaste.in

    RAWALPINDI: Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) and held a meeting with RCCI President Usman Shaukat to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations between Pakistan and Spain. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, was also present as the chief guest on the occasion. Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents of RCCI, Executive Committee members and a large number of Chamber members also attended the meeting. Upon their arrival, the Spanish Ambassador and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan were warmly welcomed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat and members of the Chamber. RCCI President Usman Shaukat highlighted the significant potential for expanding Pakistan–Spain trade and called for stronger business-to-business linkages, improved market access, and enhanced cooperation in investment and technology. He said Spain offers important opportunities for Pakistani exporters, particularly in textiles and agro-based products, while Pakistan can benefit from Spanish expertise in modern agriculture, precision farming, irrigation, mechanization, greenhouse technology and water management. The discussion assumes added significance in light of recent Pakistan–Spain consultations regarding the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Agriculture. Pakistan has identified rice, ethanol, potatoes and maize as products with potential for increased exports to the Spanish market. Spain has also acknowledged Pakistan’s favourable trade balance, with textiles being among Pakistan’s major exports to Spain. On this occasion, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted RCCI’s important role in supporting the government on economic and budget-related matters and appreciated the Chamber’s contribution towards strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations. He said Pakistan is moving forward across various sectors, particularly information technology, and stressed the need to further promote investment, innovation and entrepreneurship. Rana Mashhood said the Prime Minister’s Vision 2047 provides a roadmap for building a prosperous, self-reliant and globally competitive Pakistan. He emphasized that youth empowerment, employment generation, peace and economic stability are essential priorities for the country’s sustainable development. He added that Pakistan’s young population represents a major national asset and that greater opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment are needed to fully harness its potential. He also appreciated the growing economic and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Spain, saying stronger cooperation with European countries can create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses, exporters and young entrepreneurs. In a special gesture of friendship and goodwill, RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan jointly presented H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna with a football manufactured in Pakistan for the FIFA World Cup. The presentation showcased Pakistan’s strong sports manufacturing capabilities and symbolized the growing friendship, cooperation and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Spain. The Spanish Ambassador also participated in RCCI’s Independence Day celebrations and cake-cutting ceremony, further reflecting the warm cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting bilateral trade and investment, technology cooperation, agricultural collaboration and stronger institutional linkages for the mutual economic benefit of Pakistan and Spain.

  • Punjab Police’s Gujranwala division faces media communication gaps

    ByJustpaste.in

    GUJRANWALA: Punjab Police’s Gujranwala division has a public relations setup in place, but journalists covering the region say the system is failing at the most basic task providing timely and accessible official information. Journalists covering police affairs across Gujranwala division say contacting the concerned PRO for the police version of an incident has become a frustrating exercise, with calls and messages frequently going unanswered. The problem becomes more serious when reporters are working on developing stories involving arrests, FIRs, police encounters, alleged misconduct or other sensitive matters where the police version is essential before publication. According to journalists, the issue is not simply about the availability of press releases. The police communication mechanism largely revolves around a WhatsApp group where official information is circulated, but there is little effective two-way communication when journalists need clarification or an immediate response. “Information is posted in the group, but when a journalist needs to ask a question or verify an incident, getting a response is often difficult,” said a journalist covering police affairs in the division. Another journalist said the communication gap had become particularly noticeable during breaking incidents, when reporters need the official version within minutes rather than hours. The frequent changes of PRO officials have further complicated the situation, journalists say. According to them, PROs are changed so frequently that journalists are often left uncertain about whom to approach for official comments. “By the time a working relationship develops with one PRO, another officer is assigned the responsibility,” a journalist said. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the PRO system itself. A police public relations officer is not merely responsible for forwarding press releases; the position also serves as a communication bridge between the police department and the media. When that bridge fails to function, journalists can be left with incomplete information while the police department risks losing an opportunity to present its official position. The problem is particularly important in a region where police operations regularly generate public interest. Arrests, encounters, recoveries, FIRs and allegations against police personnel all require timely verification and an official response. Journalists say the regional police command should establish a stable and clearly accessible media contact mechanism instead of relying primarily on a WhatsApp group for communication. The Punjab Police authorities and senior officers of Gujranwala division should also review the frequent changes in PRO assignments and assess whether the existing arrangement is delivering the level of media coordination expected from a major regional police formation. Without timely communication, the PRO system risks becoming a one-way information desk rather than the professional media liaison mechanism it is supposed to be.

  • | |

    Sohail Afridi fires warning over Imran Khan’s sa…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the party does not want any harm to befall its founder, Imran Khan. Speaking at a press conference alongside other PTI leaders, Afridi said there was no alternative to resisting what he described as a “fake government”. He warned that young people were increasingly frustrated about their future and would come out of their homes on September 27. Afridi said PTI leaders had repeatedly sought a meeting with Imran Khan but had received no positive response. He said Khan’s family members were non-political and that both his family and lawyers were willing to give assurances that no political press conference would be held after the meeting. The chief minister also expressed concern about Khan’s health. He said the party wanted him to receive proper medical treatment and warned that PTI workers would stage a sit-in outside the Supreme Court if they were not allowed to meet him. Afridi reiterated that the party did not want Imran Khan to suffer any harm. He said PTI’s political struggle was centred around its founder and that his supporters would continue to raise their concerns over his treatment. Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja said Imran Khan’s health was currently the party’s most important concern. Raja said no further interference with Khan’s health would be tolerated. He also indicated that the political campaign being planned by the party would continue and would not be stopped. He criticised the government and alleged that PTI supporters were being treated unfairly. He said the party would continue its political struggle against what he called an imposed government.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *