infrastructure development projects
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Infrastructure development projects announced acro…

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has highlighted a series of ongoing and planned infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and promoting tourism across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

Speaking at a ceremony held to honour police martyrs, the minister said the proposed extension of the Murree Expressway to Muzaffarabad will provide modern travel facilities, while the MNJC Motorway will offer an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway, strengthening Pakistan’s strategic road link with China.

He said the Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Highway will reduce the distance between Islamabad and Lahore by around 100 kilometres and cut travel time by more than an hour. In Karachi, he noted that the M-10 and Lyari Expressway are improving cargo movement from the city’s port, while construction on the M-6 Motorway is expected to begin soon.

Aleem Khan added that work is progressing on the Guru Nanak Expressway, which will connect Kartarpur with Nankana Sahib to promote religious tourism and facilitate Sikh pilgrims from around the world. He also said infrastructure development is advancing on tourist routes in Gilgit, the N-25 Highway is expected to be completed next year, and the M-8 Motorway projects in Balochistan will strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border trade with Iran.

Paying tribute to police martyrs, the minister described their sacrifices as a lasting symbol of courage and praised the Motorway Police for their professionalism. He announced plans to establish modern police stations, dedicated parking areas and emergency ambulance services near toll plazas to improve the safety of patrolling officers.

Aleem Khan also highlighted the National Highway Authority’s financial progress, saying its revenue has increased from Rs66 billion in 2024 to more than Rs127 billion in 2026. He said the improved financial position has enabled Pakistan to expand its motorway and highway network using domestic resources without relying on external funding.

Inspector General of Motorway Police Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry also paid tribute to the fallen officers, reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs and honouring their sacrifices.

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    Rs4.21bn collected, thousands await housing

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works raised serious concerns over delays in major federal housing projects, where thousands of allottees have waited years for possession of their plots and apartments despite making payments. The committee decided to summon the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in its next meeting to brief it on investigations, inquiries and legal issues related to delayed housing projects managed by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). The decision came after lawmakers expressed frustration over the long delays in the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, Islamabad, where some allottees have reportedly waited years for possession after making payments for many years. The Senate committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, reviewed the progress of several housing schemes and questioned why projects launched for public sector employees and other members had remained incomplete for such a long period. During the briefing, officials informed the committee about the status of housing schemes managed by FGEHA and the PHA Foundation. While reviewing the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, the committee learned that land acquisition started in 2009 and the project covers around 3,375 kanals. Members expressed concern that despite a construction agreement being signed in 2019, physical development work remains suspended due to disputes related to contracts, work execution and security requirements. The committee was told that many allottees had been making payments since 2008 but had still not received physical possession of their plots. Lawmakers questioned how citizens could continue waiting for years after fulfilling their financial responsibilities. Housing officials informed the committee that development work could restart after approval from the relevant board once contractual disputes are resolved. However, members expressed dissatisfaction over the continued delay and decided to seek answers from NAB regarding the matter. The committee also reviewed the Green Enclave II or Sky Garden Housing Scheme located in Mauza Kathar and Mauza Mangal. Officials informed the committee that the project covers around 7,300 kanals and that more than 2,455 consent notices have been issued. The committee was informed that over Rs4.21 billion had been collected from members under different categories. Officials said land related issues in Mauza Kathar had been resolved, while the court decided legal disputes regarding Mauza Mangal in favour of FGEHA in April 2026. The committee reviewed the expected development timeline and was informed that block wise plot handovers are planned between December 2026 and March 2027. To remove administrative delays, the committee decided to call the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi for a detailed briefing in the next meeting. The committee also examined the EHFPRO Lifestyle Residency Apartments project in Sector G 13, Islamabad. Officials informed lawmakers that around 70 percent of the physical work had been completed, but the project faced serious problems due to rising construction costs after COVID 19, financial difficulties and the death of the private contractor. Following repeated violations, the joint venture agreement was terminated and FGEHA took control of the project. Officials said they are now trying to restart the project through a Public Private Partnership model to avoid placing additional financial pressure on allottees. The committee was informed that the project’s planning approval has been completed and the process to select a new partner is underway. Members directed the ministry to provide regular updates on the progress of the project. The Senate committee also reviewed the PHA F Residencia Project on Kuchlak Road, Quetta, and other government housing facilities. Officials informed the committee that the Quetta project has achieved around 50 percent physical progress. They said construction work has progressed on houses and apartment blocks, while additional units are being processed through new tendering. The committee also reviewed maintenance work at Federal Lodges and noted improvements in cleaning, repairs, and electrical work. Members discussed issues faced by residents, including water supply, drainage and basic facilities at some housing schemes. Officials informed the committee that discussions were ongoing between housing authorities and residents’ representatives to solve these problems. The committee also reminded residents that any unauthorised changes in buildings must be regularised through the Capital Development Authority. Senator Nasir Mehmood stressed that housing projects involving public money must be completed on time and that the rights of allottees must be protected. The committee said delays in public housing schemes create financial and emotional difficulties for citizens and directed relevant departments to improve transparency and speed up development work.

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    KP cabinet approves tax exemptions for merged districts, Malakand

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved a package of measures aimed at providing tax relief to businesses and industries operating in the province’s merged tribal districts and Malakand Division, while also expanding welfare and education initiatives. According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafiullah Jan, the provincial cabinet has endorsed exemptions from certain provincial taxes for service providers and industries operating in areas previously covered by the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) and Malakand Division. Under the decision, service providers operating in the former FATA, PATA and Malakand areas will be exempted from provincial sales tax on services. Industries established in these regions will also receive relief from withholding sales tax. The government said the tax measures were intended to encourage investment, facilitate businesses and support economic activity in areas that have historically faced developmental and infrastructure challenges. Ehsaas Nawaz funding increased The cabinet also approved a significant increase in the financial allocation for the Ehsaas Nawaz programme. According to the information minister, the programme’s funding has been raised from Rs3 billion to Rs5 billion. The increase is expected to provide additional financial support under the government’s welfare initiatives and expand the programme’s reach among deserving segments of the population. Ashra Rahmat Lil-Aalameen programme approved The provincial cabinet also approved arrangements for observing Ashra Rahmat Lil-Aalameen (PBUH) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The celebrations will formally begin from the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, with the cabinet approving a schedule for programmes to be organised across the province. The initiative is expected to include a range of activities aimed at highlighting the teachings, life and message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Education sector measures Several decisions concerning education were also approved during the cabinet meeting. The provincial government sanctioned funds for schools and colleges in various districts to address educational requirements and improve facilities. The cabinet also approved a system for providing textbooks according to the semester system up to Grade 5. In another major education-related decision, the cabinet approved the provision of 100 percent free textbooks for students from Grade 9 to Grade 12. The measures are aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and their families while improving access to educational resources, particularly for students enrolled in government institutions. Public-private partnership legislation The cabinet further approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Private Partnership Authority Bill 2026 for enactment. The proposed legislation is intended to establish a formal framework for public-private partnerships in the province and facilitate greater participation of the private sector in development projects. The government believes stronger public-private cooperation can help mobilise investment, improve service delivery and accelerate infrastructure development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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    AJK election results: PML-N leads in eight seats, …

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    Unofficial and preliminary results from the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections show the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leading in eight of the 13 constituencies. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidates are ahead in the remaining five constituencies, according to the results received so far. The first phase covered 13 constituencies across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. Vote counting is continuing, and the results remain unofficial. LA-1 Mirpur-I Results from 17 of 139 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Azhar Sadiq is leading with 1,692 votes. PPP candidate Muhammad Afsar Shahid is second with 1,482 votes. LA-2 Mirpur-II Results from 40 of 149 polling stations are available. PPP candidate Qasim Majeed is leading with 3,455 votes. PML-N candidate Azeem Bakhsh Chaudhry has secured 2,915 votes. LA-3 Mirpur-III Results from 31 of 161 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed is ahead with 2,986 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasir Sultan is in second place with 2,648 votes. LA-4 Mirpur-IV Only four of 162 polling stations have reported results. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed is leading with 594 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad has received 345 votes. LA-5 Bhimber-I Results from 104 of 176 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor is leading with 19,592 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Parvez Ashraf is second with 16,335 votes. LA-6 Bhimber-II Results from 24 of 195 polling stations have been reported. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq is leading with 3,814 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Ali Shan Chaudhry has secured 3,351 votes. LA-7 Bhimber-III Results from 34 of 237 polling stations are available. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Tariq Farooq is leading with 6,346 votes. Independent candidate Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq is second with 3,552 votes. LA-8 Kotli-I Results from 10 of 155 polling stations have been received. PPP candidate Zafar Iqbal Malik is ahead with 1,221 votes. PML-N candidate Malik Muhammad Nawaz Khan is close behind with 1,174 votes. LA-9 Kotli-II Results from 105 of 178 polling stations are available. PML-N candidate Umair Naeem is leading with 21,682 votes. PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi has received 13,484 votes. LA-10 Kotli-III Results from 36 of 169 polling stations have been received. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin is leading with 6,999 votes. PML-N candidate Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan is second with 3,560 votes. LA-11 Kotli-IV Results from 73 of 206 polling stations are available. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq is leading with 10,659 votes. PML-N candidate Muhammad Asif has secured 9,264 votes. LA-12 Kotli-V Results from 40 of 207 polling stations have been received. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin is ahead with 2,613 votes. PML-N candidate Muhammad Riasat Khan has received 1,255 votes. LA-13 Kotli-VI Results from 110 of 193 polling stations are available. PML-N candidate Raja Ayaz Ahmed Khan is leading with 13,063 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Nisar Ansar Abdali is second with 8,995 votes. Disturbances reported in Bhimber PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor claimed that disturbances occurred at polling stations 119, 120 and 121 in LA-5 Barnala. He said the incident affected polling in the area. According to Shakoor, voting resumed after security forces arrived, but the process remained slow. Raja Pervez Ashraf seeks action on complaints PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over alleged electoral irregularities in several constituencies. He called for additional security personnel at sensitive polling stations, including those in Gulpur, Thurochi and Muhajir Camp. Ashraf urged the Election Commission to take immediate and impartial notice of all complaints. He also called for measures to ensure free, transparent and fair elections.

  • Lodhran police rescue Filipino woman after alleged abuse

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lodhran: A friendship that began on social media turned into love, bringing a Filipino woman to Lodhran to meet the man she loved. A Filipino woman, Rose Marie, embraced Islam before marrying a middle-aged man, Amir Matam, and adopted the Islamic name Kaniz Mai. However, after the marriage, she allegedly became a victim of domestic violence, while her husband also extorted millions of rupees from her. Acting on the instructions of DPO Lodhran Captain (Retd.) Ali Bin Tariq, a police team led by DSP Sadar Circle Lodhran Abid Hussain Bhulla carried out a swift operation, rescued the woman, and recovered her cash and belongings. Speaking to the media, DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla said that around two years ago, Rose Marie established contact with Amir Matam, a welder from Lodhran, through social media. Their friendship gradually developed into a love relationship, after which Amir Matam persuaded her to travel to Pakistan for marriage. The Filipino woman came to Lodhran, married Amir Matam, and began living with him. He said that serious disputes had developed between the couple in recent months, leaving the foreign woman feeling unsafe. According to the DSP, Rose Marie informed a Malaysian friend living in Islamabad about her situation. The Malaysian woman then contacted Police Helpline 15 seeking immediate assistance for her friend. DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla said that due to the high-profile nature of the call, DPO Lodhran Captain (Retd.) Ali Bin Tariq was immediately informed, who promptly constituted a police team under his supervision to respond to the situation. He added that the police not only rescued their foreign sister but also recovered her belongings and Rs. 1.5 million in cash, which had allegedly been misappropriated by her husband, Amir Matam. The recovered cash and belongings were returned to the woman, while she was provided with secure accommodation and police protection. DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla emphasized that the protection of the lives, property, and dignity of foreigners whether residents or tourists is among the highest priorities of the State of Pakistan and the police. Concluding his statement, the DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla said that the police response in high-profile cases is equally prompt and professional. He added that Lodhran Police resolved all matters concerning the foreign woman in accordance with her wishes. She is now expected to return to her home country, the Philippines, while the accused, who is currently on bail, will face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

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    Audit reveals Rs47bn electricity overbilling

    ByJustpaste.in

    A government audit has uncovered an alleged Rs47 billion electricity overbilling scandal, raising serious concerns over billing practices by power distribution companies (DISCOs). The findings were presented before a subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where officials said inflated electricity bills were issued to hundreds of thousands of consumers. Audit officials informed the committee that 278,649 consumers received excessive electricity bills in a single month. According to the findings, the overbilling involved nearly 904 million electricity units, creating a major financial burden for households and businesses across the country. The audit report stated that the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) accounted for the largest share of the overbilling, with consumers allegedly charged around Rs45 billion beyond actual consumption. The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) was identified as the second-largest contributor, with overbilling estimated at Rs1.56 billion. Officials told lawmakers that the inflated bills were mainly caused by incorrect meter readings and misuse of authority by field staff responsible for recording electricity consumption. They alleged that overbilling was used to hide electricity theft, transmission losses and inefficiencies within the distribution system. Consumers who regularly paid their bills were reportedly charged extra, while refunds were usually made only after formal complaints were submitted. The Power Division informed the committee that reforms are being introduced to improve the billing system. Smart electricity meters and transformer-based metering technology are being installed in different regions to reduce human error and improve transparency. Officials said these measures have already helped reduce complaints of overbilling in areas where the new system has been implemented. Members of the Public Accounts Committee expressed concern over the scale of the issue and questioned how many similar cases had gone unnoticed. They said the reported figures likely represent only the cases detected through audits, while many more consumers may have suffered from incorrect billing without being aware of it. Lawmakers highlighted the financial difficulties faced by ordinary citizens because of inflated electricity bills. They said many families had been forced to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay their electricity charges, adding that such practices have increased public frustration over rising utility costs. The committee was also informed that disciplinary action had been taken against officials found responsible for irregularities. According to the management of LESCO, stronger anti-theft operations and stricter monitoring have significantly reduced electricity theft and eliminated overbilling in its service area. Several officers, including an executive engineer and multiple sub-divisional officers, have been dismissed over misconduct. During the same meeting, another audit report highlighted alleged financial irregularities in the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). The report claimed that Rs1.06 billion was misappropriated through payments made to ghost employees and retired staff, with investigators pointing to possible collusion among officials involved in financial administration.

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    US launches heavy strikes on Iran after missile at…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has resumed large-scale military operations against Iran, launching what officials described as a “heavy wave” of precision strikes after a five-night pause, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the overnight operation targeted dozens of sites linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal defence systems and maritime infrastructure. The strikes came in response to Iranian missile attacks a day earlier on American forces stationed at a US military base in Jordan. US President Donald Trump had warned that Washington would respond “very hard” to any attack on American troops, and the latest operation marked one of the most extensive US offensives since the conflict intensified earlier this year. Iranian state media reported that at least three civilians were killed in the strikes, including a couple and their two-year-old child after a residential building on Qeshm Island was hit. The IRGC also confirmed that three of its personnel were killed during the attacks. Explosions were reported across several southern Iranian cities, including Ahvaz, Abadan, Bushehr, Kazerun and Farashband. Iranian media said power outages affected parts of Ahvaz following strikes in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, while local officials confirmed that multiple locations in Abadan had also been targeted. The confrontation quickly spread beyond Iran. Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted five Iranian missiles launched toward its territory after Tehran targeted a US airbase and command headquarters inside the kingdom. No casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Kuwait confirmed that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the country’s north, killing one worker and causing significant damage. Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s attacks on Jordan, describing them as a violation of international law and regional stability. Despite the renewed fighting, diplomatic contacts continue behind the scenes. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain active, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to reduce tensions. Iranian officials also confirmed that discussions with Omani mediators regarding the future of the strategic waterway are continuing. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the crisis. Iran insists the waterway remains closed because of US military actions, while Washington accuses Tehran of threatening global shipping and using maritime pressure to strengthen the IRGC’s influence. Adding economic pressure, the US Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on two Iranian companies accused of supporting an IRGC-backed maritime insurance network. Security analysts say Washington now faces a critical decision: continue targeting Iran’s military infrastructure around Hormuz or expand attacks on key national infrastructure. While the latest strikes signal a tougher military posture, experts believe both sides still have incentives to leave the door open for diplomacy, even as the risk of a wider regional war continues to grow.

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