pha kurri road
| |

PHA Kurri Road crisis: 2023 promise still unfulfil…

ByJustpaste.in

Islamabad: A three year old promise to build an important access road for the PHA Officers Residencia Kurri Road has still not been fulfilled, leaving residents dependent on a narrow 12 foot road and a small bridge where rainwater can overflow and enter nearby homes.

The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works has now given the Capital Development Authority a fresh deadline of three months to build the 400 metre access road, after officials were confronted over why a commitment made in 2023 had not been implemented.

The issue became heated during the committee meeting when the PHA Kurri Road representative told senators that the CDA had given a written commitment in May 2023 to construct a dual 100 foot wide road extending towards the Head Start School.

Three years have passed since that commitment, but the road has not been built. The PHA representative further told the committee that the CDA later informed the court in writing that the road would be constructed within five months.

That promise also remained unfulfilled. According to the briefing, the existing road is only about 12 feet wide, and a small bridge along the route creates another serious problem during heavy rain. Water can overflow onto the bridge and, when wood and other material become trapped, the water flow can be blocked and pushed towards nearby houses.

The committee chairman Senator Nasir Mehmood questioned the CDA representative about why the authority had not acted on its own written commitment.

The CDA Member Planning and Finance, Muhammad Umair, said the authority’s rules required the sponsors of a housing scheme to provide a 100 foot wide access approach.

He described the matter as disputed but said the road was about 400 metres long and that the authority could review the issue and work towards a final decision. The committee was not satisfied with the explanation.

The chairman ordered the CDA to construct the road within three months and provide the committee with a written commitment. The chairman also made it clear that the committee would return to the CDA after three months to check whether the road had actually been built.

The dispute became more serious when the Secretary Housing challenged the CDA’s interpretation of its own rules. He argued that the road existed before the PHA scheme and therefore represented the CDA’s existing right of way. He said that if there had been no road at all before the housing scheme was developed, PHA would have been responsible for acquiring land and constructing one.

But, he argued, this was an existing CDA road. The Secretary Housing also pointed out that the road leads towards a Head Start School used daily by children and their parents.

He told the CDA that even if the authority did not want to build the road for PHA, it should consider the needs of the school and the families using the route. He described the required road as only 400 metres long.

The CDA representative also raised the authority’s financial problems. He told the committee that the CDA had a salary bill of about Rs24 billion and faced major financial constraints. He warned that if the CDA began constructing roads on the rights of way of different private societies, other societies could also demand similar work.

The chairman rejected the delay and told the CDA that continued explanations could result in another six months passing without any work. He ordered the authority to complete the road within three months and submit its commitment in writing.

The road dispute is only one part of a much larger problem at the PHA Officers Residencia Kurri Road project. According to the Housing Secretary’s briefing, residents have been facing nine different issues, including problems involving a community centre, school, commercial shops, streetlights, water supply, encroachment, access roads and the creation of new plots.

The representative of PHA Officers Residencia told the committee that many of these problems had remained unresolved for about 10 years. The Housing Secretary personally visited the project despite heavy rains and examined the problems.

On the community centre, the Housing Ministry said there was no major obstacle to providing the required plot once the terms and conditions were agreed.

A school plot is also being processed. The ministry said documents had been prepared and a party would be brought in to operate a primary school at the site because a Head Start facility already exists nearby.

The commercial shops in Block C also faced a problem because no buyers came forward at the offered price. The Housing Secretary said the price would be revised, and the shops would be put up for auction again.

Streetlights remain another concern, with the ministry acknowledging financial problems but saying repairs would be carried out. Water supply is also being tested.

Under the arrangement explained to the committee, the contractor will operate the tube well for two weeks. If water reaches the houses properly, the system will be taken over. Any leakage found during the process will have to be repaired by the contractor.

The ministry expects this process to be completed within one month. The project also has a nine kanal illegal encroachment issue, but that matter is currently before the court. Another major issue involves proposals to create new plots in green areas.

PHA needs money to clear its liabilities, but the Housing Secretary said there was no desire to sell green areas simply to raise funds. Instead, he said his team would sit with PHA officials and find another way to clear the liabilities while protecting the green space.

The committee also discussed who should maintain the housing scheme once it is fully developed. PHA officials said the authority was already paying property tax and conservancy charges but lacked a proper maintenance arrangement for the society.

They requested that the CDA take over the scheme so that it would not be left without proper management. The Housing Secretary said government housing schemes are normally maintained by their own communities rather than being taken over by the CDA.

He suggested that residents could establish a management committee or company and operate the scheme through service charges. He also acknowledged that the residents were currently maintaining the area well, particularly its cleanliness and horticulture.

The committee directed PHA and the Housing Secretary to resolve the maintenance issue through mutual consultation. The Kurri Road controversy has therefore exposed a wider problem involving years of delays, disputes between government institutions, basic civic facilities and uncertainty over responsibility for infrastructure.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Petrol pump owners call off strike after successfu…

    ByJustpaste.in

      A nationwide strike planned by Pakistan’s petrol pump owners and fuel dealers has been postponed after successful negotiations with the government. Following the talks, both the Petrol Pump Owners Association and the Petroleum Dealers Association withdrew their strike calls after receiving assurances that their key concerns, particularly regarding profit margins, would be addressed. The Petrol Pump Owners Association had initially announced that the strike would begin at 12:00 midnight, while the Petroleum Dealers Association planned to suspend operations from 6:00 a.m.However, after reaching an understanding with government representatives, both organizations decided to call off the protest, ensuring that fuel supplies would continue without disruption. Speaking after the meeting, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik thanked the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association and various petroleum dealers’ organizations for their willingness to engage in dialogue. He appreciated their decision to postpone the strike in the interest of the public and emphasized the importance of resolving issues through consultation rather than confrontation. The minister acknowledged that the country has been facing economic and regional challenges, particularly since developments in the region earlier this year. He noted that the prevailing situation has created uncertainty and concerns for both businesses and the public. According to Ali Pervaiz Malik, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is fully aware of the hardships being faced by citizens and remains committed to minimizing the impact of economic pressures on the people. He further stated that the government has already provided subsidies worth several hundred billion rupees to protect consumers from rising fuel costs. The minister said a targeted subsidy mechanism has been developed to ensure that relief reaches those who need it the most. He also praised oil refineries and petroleum sector stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support during challenging times. Addressing the dealers’ primary demand, Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed that the issue of increasing petroleum dealers’ profit margins would be resolved through mutual consultation. He announced that a summary regarding the proposed increase in dealer margins would soon be presented to the federal cabinet for approval. The government, he added, is committed to finding a fair solution that balances the interests of both consumers and fuel retailers. The petroleum minister also revealed that the recently introduced daily fuel pricing system would be reviewed after a two-week trial period. During this time, the government will closely monitor its implementation in consultation with petroleum organizations before making any long-term decisions. He emphasized that all stakeholders would continue working together to improve the system and address any operational concerns. Meanwhile, Nadeem Khan, Secretary Information of the Petrol Pump Owners Association, confirmed that the government had assured dealers that their commission and profit margin issues would be resolved. He expressed optimism that the matter would be settled within the next two weeks, allowing dealers to continue operating under more sustainable financial conditions. Nadeem Khan said the associations had decided to postpone their protest based on the government’s commitments. He expressed hope that the authorities would honor their promises and implement the agreed measures within the announced timeframe. He also welcomed the decision to review the daily fuel pricing mechanism on a trial basis, saying it would provide an opportunity to evaluate its impact before any permanent implementation. The successful negotiations have prevented a nationwide disruption in fuel supplies, offering relief to motorists, businesses, and the general public. Both the government and petroleum sector representatives expressed confidence that continued dialogue and cooperation would help resolve outstanding issues while ensuring a stable fuel supply across the country.

  • | | |

    Initial report suggests Mir Raza Ali was shot from…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: An initial medical report has reportedly indicated that businessman Mir Raza Ali sustained a gunshot wound from behind, while several signs of physical violence were also found on his body following his exhumation for a fresh post-mortem examination. According to investigation sources, the preliminary report has addressed all 14 questions raised by police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed during the medical examination. The findings reportedly include a gunshot injury to the rear of the body, fractured ribs and multiple injuries to Ali’s head and face. The report also noted marks of violence on different parts of the deceased’s body. However, investigators have yet to officially receive the medical findings. SSP SIU Samiullah Somroo, who is leading the police investigation, said the investigation team had not been informed about the report or its findings. The exhumation process lasted around three hours and was conducted under the supervision of forensic experts. During the procedure, 17 samples were collected from the body for further examination. Four samples were preserved for DNA testing, while the remaining samples were collected for chemical analysis. Two additional reference samples were obtained from Ali’s parents to assist with DNA matching. Investigators said the collected samples have been preserved and will be submitted to the forensic laboratory at the University of Karachi on Monday. The chemical and DNA examination reports are expected to be available within three to four days. Ali’s body was exhumed earlier as part of efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. After the medical examination was completed, his remains were reburied at a graveyard near Tariq Road. Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, had returned home from his shop on the night of July 28. He later left the house again, telling his family that he would return within 10 minutes. He did not return, and his body was subsequently recovered from Gulistan-e-Jauhar. His father, Mir Hussain, has maintained that his son was murdered and rejected suggestions that he died by suicide. During the latest proceedings, members of the medical board collected various samples from Ali’s grave as part of the renewed examination. His family members and their lawyer, Jibran Nasir, were present at the graveyard, while a heavy police contingent was deployed to maintain security. The authorities had restored the original eight-member medical board responsible for supervising the exhumation after the family objected to the replacement of the panel with a five-member board. The disagreement had earlier prevented officials from carrying out the scheduled exhumation. Mir Hussain later said he was satisfied with the latest proceedings. He expressed hope that the fresh examination would provide clarity about what happened to his son. The family has also alleged that a fake audio recording attributed to Ali was circulated in an attempt to influence the case and create confusion around the circumstances of his death. The family’s lawyer had earlier raised concerns about changes to the medical board and questioned the decision to replace the original panel. He later said the family was satisfied with the renewed proceedings, which were conducted in the presence of the judicial magistrate, investigation officer and members of the medical team.

  • | |

    Two policemen injured in Peshawar IED attack

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: Two police personnel sustained minor injuries after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near a police vehicle in Peshawar on Sunday, officials said. The blast occurred near Pir Zakorhi Bridge, close to the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway toll plaza, where a police van was travelling on routine duty. The explosion damaged the vehicle and left the driver and a police constable with minor injuries. Rescue teams and law enforcement officials quickly reached the site and shifted the injured officers to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities said both policemen were in stable condition and suffered only minor wounds. The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) launched a search operation in the surrounding area after the explosion. Initial findings suggested that the explosive device had been planted along the roadside in a green belt and was detonated as the police vehicle passed by. Security personnel thoroughly scanned the area to ensure no additional explosive devices were present. Police cordoned off the scene and began collecting evidence to determine those responsible for the attack. An investigation has been launched, while officials are examining the nature of the explosive and the method used in the incident. The latest attack comes amid a surge in militant violence across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In recent days, several security personnel have lost their lives in separate terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations in different parts of the province.

  • | |

    Yami Gautam recalls nearly quitting Bollywood

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actor Yami Gautam has revealed that she was once on the verge of leaving Bollywood after years of struggling to find meaningful roles despite the success of her debut film. In a recent interview, the Vicky Donor star reflected on one of the most difficult phases of her career, admitting that she had almost returned to her hometown in Himachal Pradesh before her breakthrough with Uri: The Surgical Strike changed everything. Gautam made her Bollywood debut opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the 2012 hit Vicky Donor. Although the film was well received, she said the success did not translate into the kind of opportunities she had hoped for. Instead, she spent years waiting for substantial roles while being labelled an “unconventional” actress because she had not been introduced as a typical Bollywood heroine. Recalling that difficult period, Gautam told Filmfare: “Just before Uri and Bala, I had made peace with leaving the industry altogether. I thought I’d return to Himachal. We have farmland there. I imagined beginning a completely different life. My parents were incredibly supportive. They simply said, ‘Come home.’” The actress explained that she had become disheartened by the lack of opportunities and had accepted the possibility of stepping away from acting altogether. However, everything changed when she was cast opposite Vicky Kaushal in the 2019 blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film proved to be a turning point in her career and restored her confidence in the industry. She recalled: “And strangely, the moment I stopped clinging to the industry out of fear, everything changed. Uri happened. Bala happened. Life changed almost overnight.” During the interview, Gautam also spoke candidly about the challenges of being an outsider in Bollywood. While she said she never viewed being an outsider as the biggest obstacle, she admitted that constantly having to prove herself was emotionally exhausting. She said: “The difficult part wasn’t being an outsider. It was constantly having to prove yourself. Sometimes you’d feel you were ready for a particular opportunity, yet someone else would receive repeated chances simply because they already belonged to the ecosystem.” The Article 370 actor noted that star children often receive multiple opportunities even after unsuccessful projects, while outsiders frequently have to wait years for a single meaningful role. She added: “You’d think, If I were given that many opportunities, wouldn’t I also continue growing as an actor? That was the real frustration.” Despite those experiences, Gautam believes the industry has evolved in recent years and that audiences are placing greater importance on talent rather than background. She concluded: “But I genuinely believe things have changed. Today, audiences don’t care where you come from. They care whether you’re a good actor. Whether your films are worth watching. Whether they trust your choices. That gives me tremendous hope for the next generation.” On the personal front, Yami Gautam married Uri: The Surgical Strike director Aditya Dhar on June 4, 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Vedavid, on May 10, 2024. Today, Gautam is regarded as one of Bollywood’s most respected performers, with her journey serving as an example of perseverance despite years of setbacks. 

  • | | |

    Israeli lawyer calls Silwan demolitions ‘ethnic …

    ByJustpaste.in

    JERUSALEM: A new British media report has renewed international attention on the disputed East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan, where the demolition of Palestinian homes and land disputes continue to fuel tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian residents. According to the report, a prominent Israeli lawyer described Israel’s policy of removing Palestinians from their ancestral homes in Silwan as comparable to “ethnic cleansing,” adding to the growing debate over housing rights and displacement in the occupied territory. The report states that the continued threat of home demolitions has left many Palestinian families living in constant uncertainty, affecting their daily lives, financial stability and emotional well-being. Residents say they fear losing homes that have been in their families for generations. Palestinians living in Silwan argue that Israeli authorities frequently classify their properties as unauthorised constructions, leading to demolition orders that they consider unfair and discriminatory. Many residents say obtaining building permits is extremely difficult, leaving families vulnerable to eviction and the destruction of their homes. The issue of demolitions in East Jerusalem has remained one of the most contentious aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments. Rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern that such actions contribute to the displacement of Palestinian communities and alter the demographic balance of the area. The latest report also comes amid continued regional tensions, with accusations of ceasefire violations and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict. Israeli authorities have consistently maintained that demolitions are carried out in accordance with municipal planning and building regulations, arguing that structures built without the required permits are subject to legal enforcement regardless of the owners’ identity. Silwan, located just south of Jerusalem’s Old City, remains one of the most sensitive areas in the decades-long conflict, with competing historical, religious and political claims. As international scrutiny grows, the situation in Silwan continues to highlight the broader challenges surrounding housing rights, land ownership and the future of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem.

Leave a Reply

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