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KP Approves Comprehensive Revitalisation Blueprint for Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has granted initial approval to a wide-ranging urban revitalisation plan aimed at reshaping Peshawar into a more modern, livable, and well-connected city. The decision was made during a high-level review meeting chaired by the provincial chief minister, who directed departments to prioritise projects that are both technically sound and practically achievable.

The proposed plan spans multiple sectors and will be executed through coordinated efforts of key provincial departments and development authorities. A major focus will be on upgrading dozens of important city roads to improve traffic flow and accessibility. Authorities also intend to install underground electricity cabling along selected corridors to enhance safety and urban aesthetics.

To ease congestion, several underpasses are proposed at high-traffic intersections, alongside a new link road connecting the Hayatabad Industrial Estate with major surrounding routes. Urban beautification and recreation also form a central component of the initiative, with plans for theme parks, a modern children’s park, and new public landmarks designed to enhance community spaces.

Heritage preservation is included through proposed conservation work in the historic Walled City, while technical studies are being planned to guide improvements in public transportation. Infrastructure upgrades will extend to water supply, sanitation, irrigation channels, street lighting, and waste management systems. New municipal facilities, including slaughterhouses and sewerage treatment infrastructure, are also part of the blueprint.

The chief minister emphasised the timely completion of feasibility studies and planning documentation to prevent delays and ensure that development delivers visible improvements to residents. The revitalisation program is expected to significantly enhance Peshawar’s infrastructure, environmental conditions, and overall quality of urban life.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Urban Developments & Planning

CDA Initiates Construction of New Underpass on Park Road, Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has begun work on a new underpass at Margalla Enclave along Park Road in Islamabad, marking another step in its ongoing efforts to improve urban traffic infrastructure. The project is designed to ease congestion on one of the city’s busiest routes and enhance overall traffic movement for daily commuters.

To facilitate construction, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has implemented a comprehensive traffic diversion plan. Vehicles travelling from Rawal Dam Chowk toward Tramri will be redirected via NIH Road and Mohra Noor before rejoining Park Road beyond the construction zone. For traffic heading from Tramri toward Rawal Dam Chowk, a diversion has been established near Chai Khana, routing vehicles through the CDA Nursery area and back onto Park Road via temporary feeder roads.

Commuters are advised to use alternative routes such as Lehtrar Road, Khanna Pul, and the Islamabad Expressway where possible to avoid delays. Authorities have warned that the construction work is expected to cause significant traffic pressure, particularly during peak hours, and have recommended allowing an additional 20–30 minutes for travel.

Traffic police personnel will be stationed throughout the affected areas to assist motorists and manage orderly flow. Real-time updates and guidance are being provided to help drivers navigate the altered traffic patterns.

The new underpass project is part of the CDA’s broader strategy to modernise Islamabad’s road network and improve urban mobility. Once completed, it is expected to reduce congestion, shorten travel times, and support the city’s growing transportation needs, contributing to smoother and more efficient commuting for residents and visitors alike.

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CategoriesNews Developments Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Pakistan–Kazakhstan $7bn Rail MoU Expected in Feb

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have moved a step closer toward launching a major regional railway connectivity initiative, following a high-level consultation held at the Ministry of Railways in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the railway sector and advancing Pakistan’s broader regional connectivity agenda. Both sides discussed strategic projects aimed at linking Pakistan with Central Asia through rail corridors, emphasizing the potential economic impact and long-term trade benefits for the region.

Officials stated that the proposed Pakistan–Kazakhstan Rail Connectivity Project has been identified as a strategically significant initiative under the Prime Minister’s Regional Connectivity Vision. Minister Abbasi described the project as a historic development for Pakistan’s railway sector, noting that it could open new avenues for trade expansion and strengthen regional linkages through enhanced transport integration.

Meanwhile, momentum for the agreement is expected to accelerate in the coming weeks, as Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev is scheduled to visit Pakistan on February 3, 2026. The visit is expected to culminate in the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, further solidifying railway cooperation between the two countries and advancing regional integration goals.

According to the discussions, a preliminary railway network linking Karachi Port to Kazakhstan has already been prepared. The network is intended to strengthen trade routes and improve Pakistan’s access to Central Asian markets. 

The plan also envisions extending the railway linkage through Chaman, connecting Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, which could further consolidate Pakistan’s role as a key transit hub for regional commerce.

The initiative, estimated to cost approximately USD 7 billion, is expected to be completed within three years, placing it among the largest railway connectivity projects currently under consideration in the region. Stakeholders believe the project could enhance freight movement, lower transportation costs and contribute to broader economic development.

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Fire Safety Audit
CategoriesDevelopments News Urban Developments & Planning

Punjab CM Orders Fire Safety Audit After Tragic Gul Plaza Blaze in Karachi

LAHORE: In response to the tragic fire that claimed 26 lives at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed a province-wide audit of fire safety systems in both public and private buildings. The audit is part of a broader initiative to ensure public safety and prevent similar disasters.

The Chief Minister expressed her grief over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families. She urged the immediate implementation of safety measures, stating that fire safety systems in all buildings must be regularly inspected and upgraded where necessary.

As part of her ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, CM Maryam Nawaz also announced a series of urban development initiatives. These include fully reconstructing roads after excavation for sewerage and drainage projects and ensuring that pits dug during development work are properly covered and fenced to avoid accidents.

The Chief Minister further emphasized the importance of transparency in ongoing development projects. Under the Punjab Development Plan (PDP), she highlighted that Phase-I projects had saved the government Rs 2.8 billion through effective transparency measures.

CM Nawaz also outlined plans for major sewerage, drainage, and water storage projects across various districts, including Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Gujrat, as well as for developing green spaces and utility corridors in urban areas.

Punjab Emergency Services Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique also called for the complete enforcement of the Building Safety Regulations 2022, following a survey of 2,214 high-rise buildings in the province. He revealed plans to extend firefighting services to 39 additional tehsils, with an investment of Rs 2 billion. Rescue 1122 has already responded to over 280,000 fire emergencies, saving an estimated Rs 768 billion in potential damages.

These measures reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to improving public safety and urban infrastructure across the province.

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CategoriesNews Construction Developments Urban Developments & Planning

Rawalpindi Ring Road Project & Transport Terminals Relocation: A Comprehensive Development Plan

In a major move to alleviate traffic congestion and improve infrastructure, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) is making significant progress on the Rawalpindi Ring Road Project and the relocation of 44 key transport terminals. The dual initiatives are set to reshape the city’s traffic management, boost regional connectivity, and transform Rawalpindi’s transport landscape.

Rawalpindi Ring Road: Progress and Impacts

construction site of ring road Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi Ring Road, a crucial part of the city’s transportation overhaul, is a 38.3-kilometre, six-lane highway designed to connect key zones in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The project aims to reduce congestion and improve access to regional economic zones.

  • Current Progress: As of the latest reports, the project is 70% complete, with structural work, road surfacing, embankments, and drainage systems progressing steadily. Key sections, including the Banth to Thallian Interchange, are already under construction.
  • Revised Timeline: The Rawalpindi Ring Road, initially slated for completion by December 2025, now has a new deadline of March 2026. The project’s total cost has been revised upwards to Rs. 50 billion due to the redesigning of the Thallian Interchange, a critical junction connecting the Ring Road to the M-2 Motorway.
  • Expected Benefits: The Ring Road will significantly ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi, improve access to major highways, and facilitate smoother connectivity to Islamabad. Once completed, it will reduce traffic volume on city roads, benefiting both commercial and commuter traffic.
  • Project Management: The construction is being carried out by Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) under the oversight of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).

Relocation of Transport Terminals: Strategic Planning for Traffic Management

Pirwadhai Bus Stand

In line with the vision to streamline Rawalpindi’s transport system, the Punjab government has approved the relocation of major transport terminals to areas near the Rawalpindi Ring Road. This move aims to reduce traffic congestion within the city, particularly from heavy transport vehicles.

  • Pirwadhai Bus Stand: The prominent Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, along with other terminals, will be shifted to a more centralised location along the Ring Road. This relocation will accommodate inter-district buses and intra-city transport, improving traffic management and passenger operations.
  • New Terminal Locations: Other transport terminals, including those at Faizabad and Chungi No. 26, will also be closed, with all long-distance and goods transport hubs moved to strategic locations along the Ring Road.
  • Key Routes:
    • Transport coming from Peshawar will now operate from a new terminal near Islamabad Airport.
    • Vehicles from Azad Kashmir via Murree will stop at Bharakahu, while those coming from other districts will enter through Rawat.
  • Traffic and Fare Adjustments: The relocation will impact local travel. Fares for intra-city buses will range from Rs. 20 to Rs. 50, while passengers travelling to the newly relocated terminals may experience changes in travel time.
  • Policy Changes: To complement the relocation, the Punjab government will enforce a ban on heavy transport vehicles entering the city’s core. Any violating vehicles will face impoundment. Public transport buses and wagons will ferry passengers from the Ring Road terminals into the city centre, offering seamless connectivity.

Long-Term Impact: Urban Mobility and Economic Growth

ring road aerial view

Both the Rawalpindi Ring Road Project and the relocation of transport terminals are part of a comprehensive urban development strategy. By reducing congestion and improving connectivity, these initiatives are expected to enhance the city’s overall mobility, improve air quality, and stimulate local economic growth.

  • Environmental and Aesthetic Benefits: The Ring Road project incorporates green initiatives, including the creation of green belts, better drainage systems, and improved traffic safety measures. These will contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.
  • Public Response: While many residents welcome the plan for its long-term traffic management benefits, some have expressed concerns about longer travel distances and the costs of relocating terminals. However, the shift is being framed as a necessary step to manage Rawalpindi’s increasing population and transport demands.

A Vision for a Modern Rawalpindi

With Rs. 50 billion invested in the Rawalpindi Ring Road Project and additional resources allocated for terminal relocations, the city is witnessing one of its most significant infrastructural transformations. 

The development of this vital infrastructure will not only ease traffic congestion but will also position Rawalpindi as a model for modern urban mobility in Pakistan.

As the project progresses towards its 2026 completion, Rawalpindi’s residents and visitors can look forward to enhanced connectivity, reduced travel times, and a cleaner, more efficient transport system.

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Karachi to Chaman
CategoriesDevelopments News Urban Developments & Planning

Karachi to Chaman: New Highway Project Aims to Save Lives

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that construction work on the Karachi–Chaman highway has officially started. He said the project will be completed in one year. Earlier, it was expected to take two years.

The prime minister called the highway a major step for safer travel. He said the current route has a long history of deadly accidents. The new highway will improve road safety and regional connectivity.

PM Sharif told the federal cabinet that he recently visited Quetta. He laid the foundation stone of the highway there. The road will be nearly 850 kilometres long. It will link Karachi to Chaman through key areas of Balochistan.

He said the project will cost around Rs400 billion. The entire cost will be paid by the federal government. He explained that funds were arranged through savings. These savings came when the government did not reduce fuel prices despite falling global oil prices. He said this money is now being used for national development.

The prime minister also highlighted support for farmers. He said a Rs75 billion agricultural package for Balochistan has been completed. Out of this, Rs50 billion was provided by the federal government. He added that solar energy solutions are being introduced to reduce dependence on unreliable electricity. Farmers can now irrigate their lands using solar panels.

He also shared updates about Daanish schools in the province. He said construction has begun and contractors are mobilised. He added that the plan has expanded from five schools to seven. The goal is to improve education and opportunities in underserved areas.

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CategoriesConstruction Developments News

Karachi’s Jahangir Road to Undergo Major Overhaul in 60 Days

KARACHI: Jahangir Road, a vital link between two districts in Karachi, is set for a major reconstruction. The road has long suffered from severe damage and drainage problems, affecting residents and commuters.

At the foundation-laying ceremony on Wednesday, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab highlighted the importance of this project. He noted that while the road was initially built by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), it had been repeatedly damaged during rains due to outdated drainage systems.

This time, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will fully fund the reconstruction. The project will not only rebuild the road but also replace the old sewerage system. Stormwater drains will be added on both sides to prevent future flooding.

The road will feature a 3-inch asphalt base, a 2-inch asphalt concrete wearing course, and 50,000 square feet of new carpeting. Additionally, 2,000 feet of stormwater drains will be constructed, along with 252,000 square feet of 80mm paver blocks.

The original project timeline was 90 days, but it has been shortened to 60 days to reduce public inconvenience. Work will continue day and night to meet the deadline.

Once completed, the road will improve traffic flow, drainage, and overall infrastructure for local residents. This project is part of a larger initiative to develop over 400 roads across the city, with a total budget of Rs. 46 billion.

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CategoriesDevelopments Economy Partnerships Press Release

Chakor Ventures Explores FDI in Pakistan for Lahore Project in Strategic Lisbon Meeting

Lisbon, Portugal – January 14, 2026: Muhammad Abbad Khan, CEO of Chakor Ventures, met with José Paulo Marques, President & CEO of OLAE, and Dr. Muhammad Sohail, CEO of SJ Investment, in Lisbon, Portugal. The primary objective of this meeting was to discuss inward FDI opportunities in Pakistan via Chakor Ventures’ upcoming project in Lahore.

The meeting was attended by Muhammad Abbad Khan, CEO of Chakor Ventures; José Paulo Marques, President & CEO of OLAE (Observatório Lusófono de Actividades Económicas); and Dr. Muhammad Sohail, CEO of SJ Investment and an investor and business developer with significant experience in the USA and Europe.

The discussions primarily focused on exploring avenues for inward foreign direct investment FDI in Pakistan through Chakor Ventures’ Lahore Project, which is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing economic opportunities and contributing to the region’s growth. The upcoming Lahore Project aims to provide world-class infrastructure and development solutions, creating new opportunities for local businesses and the broader economy.

Muhammad Abbas Khan, CEO of Chakor Ventures, stated, “We are focused on fostering FDI in Pakistan that not only accelerates development but also creates economic value and sustainable growth for local and global stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, President of OLAE, José Paulo Marques, a leading economist with extensive expertise in international trade and economic policy, emphasised the importance of cross-border investment in emerging markets and its potential to drive economic growth in the region.

Dr. Muhammad Sohail, with his extensive experience as a business developer and investor in international markets, discussed the importance of fostering global partnerships to support large-scale infrastructure projects in emerging economies.

The meeting aligned with Chakor Ventures’ ongoing efforts to explore global partnerships and investment opportunities for its expanding project portfolio, further supporting its mission to deliver world-class infrastructure and development solutions in Pakistan.

For more information about Chakor Ventures and its development initiatives, visit Chakor Ventures.

Margalla Avenue Link to M-1
CategoriesDevelopments News Urban Developments & Planning

CDA Fast-Tracks Margalla Avenue Link to M-1

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has moved forward with plans to connect Margalla Avenue to the Peshawar Motorway (M-1), marking a significant step toward enhancing regional traffic flow and improving access to the federal capital.

CDA has invited tenders for the construction of the final 2.7-kilometre stretch of Margalla Avenue, which will include an interchange on GT Road. According to officials, technical bids will be opened on January 23, and the project is expected to be completed within eight months once construction begins.

At the road’s endpoint near Sangjani Grid Station, the National Highway Authority will undertake construction of an additional 2.5-kilometre section within Rawalpindi’s jurisdiction. This section will connect the route to M-1 near the AWT Housing Society. NHA has already awarded a Rs 4.1 billion contract for this segment to the National Logistic Cell.

The project, which has been under discussion for nearly five years, is designed as a three-lane dual carriageway with two-lane service roads, featuring a cloverleaf interchange. Once completed, it will provide a six-lane alternative route for commuters travelling between Islamabad and GT Road (N-5), easing congestion on existing arteries.

Separately, CDA officials confirmed preparations to invite bids for an underpass near Islamabad Club on Murree Road, with the design currently undergoing finalisation. The authority stated that these initiatives align with its broader agenda to enhance urban mobility and road infrastructure in the capital.

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CPEC 2.0
CategoriesConstruction Developments News

Pakistan and China Launch CPEC 2.0 to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Regional Development

ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan and China have agreed to align their development strategies under the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), now known as CPEC 2.0. The agreement was reached during the Seventh Round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing.

Both countries reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership, with CPEC 2.0 being a major milestone in their economic and political cooperation. The upgraded corridor will focus on key sectors, including industry, agriculture, and mining, with a strong emphasis on Gwadar Port development and ensuring the smooth operation of the Karakoram Highway. These initiatives aim to boost sustainable development and strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience.

Additionally, Pakistan and China agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and cybersecurity, alongside technical exchanges in science, education, and vocational training. The opening of the Khunjerab Pass year-round will further enhance bilateral trade and people-to-people ties.

The dialogue also touched on global and regional issues, with both nations committing to deepen mutual trust and safeguard common interests. They underscored their readiness to collaborate on counter-terrorism, finance, space cooperation, and multilateral forums.

Looking forward, the two sides are preparing for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 and have reaffirmed their commitment to the Action Plan for 2025–2029, aiming for closer bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.

The next round of talks will be held in Islamabad next year, continuing the momentum of strategic collaboration.

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