ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) generated Rs13.52 billion on Monday from the first day of its three-day public auction of residential and commercial plots held at the Jinnah Convention Centre.

According to an official statement, four plots were successfully auctioned during the opening session, including two commercial plots in the Blue Area and two agro farm plots under the Orchards Scheme on Murree Road. Blue Area Plot No. 15, located in the F-8/G-8 sector, was sold for Rs3.52 billion, while Plot No. 17 in the same area fetched Rs9.15 billion. In addition, Plot No. 37/C of the Orchards Scheme was auctioned for Rs42.20 crore, and Plot No. 37/D was sold for Rs42 crore.

The CDA stated that the auction will continue until December 24, during which various categories of residential and commercial plots will be offered to investors. These include plots in different centres, the E-11 Northern Strip, agro farms, petrol pump sites, and constructed shops in the Blue Area. Residential plots from multiple sectors are also part of the auction.

To encourage investor participation, the authority has introduced several incentives, including a five per cent discount on commercial plots for payments made in US dollars and an additional five per cent concession for lump-sum payments made within 30 days of bid approval. Building plan approval will be granted after an initial 25 per cent payment, while possession of plots will be handed over upon payment of 75 per cent of the total amount.

Following the completion of the auction, all bids will be submitted to the CDA Board for approval. CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa stated that the revenue generated from the auction will be utilised for development, construction, and beautification projects across Islamabad.
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Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: Dense fog disrupted travel across several regions of Pakistan on Sunday, causing the closure of key motorway sections and diversions of international flights. The poor visibility heightened the risk of highway accidents.

The fog primarily impacted areas in Punjab and Sindh, leading to the closure of the M-11 motorway, which links Lahore and Sialkot. Additionally, authorities restricted heavy vehicles from travelling on the M-5 motorway, which connects Multan in Punjab to Rohri in Sindh. These closures were part of efforts to minimise accidents due to limited visibility.

Earlier in the day, several other motorway sections were also closed, including the M-2 motorway from Thokar Niaz Baig to Kot Momin, the M-3 motorway from Faizpur to Darkhana, and the M-4 motorway from Pindi Bhattiyan to Abdul Hakeem. These sections were reopened around 10 a.m. after the fog began to lift and visibility improved.

Motorway police issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid travelling at night and recommended that the safest travel window during such conditions is between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The dense fog also disrupted air travel, with six international flights to Karachi diverted to Muscat and Islamabad. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed the diversions due to the poor visibility surrounding Karachi.

Motorway Police spokesman Syed Imran Ahmed emphasised the importance of prioritising daytime travel to ensure safety during foggy conditions.

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Saleha Ali

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has proposed widening Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk by adding 10 to 15 feet on each side, covering a stretch of 2 kilometres. This road expansion, estimated to cost Rs 9 billion, is intended to ease traffic congestion that currently hampers movement throughout the day.

The proposed project involves demolishing commercial buildings along the road and acquiring additional land to accommodate expanded lanes and wider footpaths. The RDA argues that this expansion is crucial to alleviate the severe traffic bottlenecks that affect access to key public and private institutions in the area.

However, the plan has faced strong opposition from the Rawalpindi Traders Association, which claims that the project will have a detrimental impact on local businesses. They assert that the removal of commercial properties along this stretch will result in significant financial losses for traders. Sharjeel Mir, President of the Central Traders Association, criticised the lack of consultation with stakeholders and warned that the project would severely affect a vital commercial area.

The proposed widening is contingent upon approval and funding from the Punjab government. If the project proceeds, it is expected that 70 to 80 percent of the commercial space in the area would be reduced or eliminated, a prospect that has sparked further concern among local business owners.

While traffic flow beyond Chandni Chowk has improved due to wider tracks and flyovers, the stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk remains a significant traffic bottleneck, mainly due to narrow lanes and illegal parking.

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Saleha Ali

LAHORE: Senior Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Senator Anusha Rehman, visited NSIT City, Pakistan’s first and largest IT-focused development project, to review its progress and emphasise the need for fast-tracking its development. The project is set to position Punjab as a regional hub for IT, innovation, and investment.

During the visit, Senator Rehman underscored the importance of accelerating the project in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She called for the use of advanced technologies to speed up construction and infrastructure development, furthering the government’s commitment to economic growth and innovation.

CEO of CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, provided a comprehensive briefing on the project’s scope, planning, and progress. He highlighted that NSIT City is a cornerstone initiative aimed at creating a thriving ecosystem for skilled youth and startups, fostering high-value investment in the region.

Senator Rehman stressed the need for collaboration with regulatory authorities to resolve any hurdles in completing the first phase of the project. She emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening the IT ecosystem by connecting industry and academia and focusing on the development of emerging technologies.

NSIT City aims to not only enhance Punjab’s IT infrastructure but also provide a platform for economic growth, creating new opportunities for professionals and businesses. The project is poised to play a pivotal role in the province’s future as a technological and innovation hub.

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Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a suspension of the newly revised property valuation table for tax assessment in Islamabad, following objections from the business community. The suspension will remain in effect until January 31, 2026, or until a new SRO for fair market values of immovable properties is issued, whichever comes first.

The decision came after the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) called for a protest on December 22, 2025, outside the FBR House, demanding the withdrawal of the notification. The business community has expressed strong opposition to the new rates, which, according to ICCI, could increase property values by up to 1,700%, resulting in a sharp rise in property transfer fees. Previously, transfer fees ranged between Rs 4 million to Rs 10 million due to the new valuation.

The FBR had initially issued the revised valuation table on December 8, 2025, under SRO 2392/2025. However, following complaints from real estate associations about inflated property values in certain areas, the FBR reviewed the objections and acknowledged their validity. As a result, the revised rates for Islamabad have been put on hold pending a re-evaluation.

Since 2016, FBR has been responsible for determining the fair market prices of properties in major urban centers, with provincial valuations typically handled by district collectors. The revised tables were set to be used for calculating federal taxes such as capital gains tax (CGT) and withholding tax.

The decision to delay the implementation of the new rates comes as a relief to many in the real estate sector, who had voiced concerns over the potential negative impact on property transactions.

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Saleha Ali

PESHAWAR: The Northern Bypass project, intended to complete the Ring Road around Peshawar, continues to face significant delays due to insufficient funding. The project, which began in 2010, has entered its 17th year and is now facing a severe financial shortfall. The federal government has allocated only Rs500 million for the current fiscal year, far below the Rs5.3 billion required to complete the final phase of the project on schedule.

Initially conceived with an estimated cost of Rs 3.07 billion, the project’s cost has ballooned to Rs 27 billion following multiple revisions. The construction of various packages has experienced repeated delays, with Package I originally set for completion in 2011 but revised to 2014. Similarly, other phases, including Package II and Package 3A, have also missed deadlines, with completion now expected in 2025.

The most recent phase, Package 3B, which runs from Nasir Bagh to Takhta Baig in Khyber district, was launched in December 2023 and is now projected to complete in February 2026. The project requires Rs4.27 billion in actual funding, along with an additional Rs1.1 billion for escalation costs.

At a recent meeting chaired by the Commissioner of Peshawar Division, officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the district administration discussed the urgent need for additional funds. The provincial government is expected to approach the federal government to request the release of the necessary funds.

The Northern Bypass is intended to alleviate traffic congestion by providing an alternate route for vehicles coming from the motorway and GT Road, benefiting both Peshawar city and the surrounding areas. Timely completion is critical for improving traffic flow and infrastructure in the region.

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Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has completed the primary phase of the T-Chowk Flyover project, situated at the junction of G.T. Road and Islamabad Expressway, ahead of its initially scheduled deadline.

The 1.1-kilometre flyover, worth Rs 1.4 billion, is designed to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly for commuters travelling from Lahore. Initially slated for completion by February 19, the project was finalised in just 90 days, with only minor works remaining, expected to conclude within the week.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone for the project on September 12. Despite the project being completed ahead of time, the cost increased by 15% due to the addition of an extra lane and the construction of U-turns. This adjustment was in line with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) guidelines, which allow for such increases when deemed necessary.

In parallel, the Shaheen Chowk Underpass project, located at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Khyaban-i-Iqbal, is also nearing completion. Initially planned for April, this underpass is expected to be finished ahead of schedule. Similar to the T-Chowk Flyover, this project also experienced a 15% cost rise due to changes in the scope of work.

Although some concerns were raised regarding the revisions to the project scope, officials have praised the CDA’s efficiency in completing these major infrastructure projects swiftly, minimising public inconvenience and controlling costs. Acknowledgement for the timely execution of these projects goes to Prime Minister Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa.

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Saleha Ali

RAWALPINDI: Following directives from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Sultan Bajwa, Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Urban Development, and Public Health Engineering (HUD&PHE), visited the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Saturday to review ongoing development projects. The meeting focused on evaluating progress and discussing future urban planning strategies.

RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza presented a comprehensive overview of major projects, including the Rawalpindi Ring Road, the Nullah Lai Project, and the Rehabilitation of the Metro Bus Corridor. Proposed initiatives discussed included the rehabilitation of Murree Road from Flashman to Faizabad and the construction of joint check posts at Adyala Road, Koral Chowk, and Chur Chowk.

Murtaza also highlighted RDA’s efforts to combat illegal housing schemes, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to transparency, modern urban planning, and the timely completion of projects. These initiatives are expected to significantly improve city infrastructure, traffic management, and public services.

Sultan Bajwa commended RDA’s work in addressing civic challenges and accelerating development. He stressed the need for sustainable growth, environmental considerations, and enhanced civic infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Rawalpindi’s residents.

The meeting concluded with directives to speed up project timelines, improve coordination between departments, and ensure that public interest remains at the core of all development activities.

The session was attended by senior RDA officials, including Director Engineering Muhammad Anwar Baran and Director Land Ghazafar Ali Awan.

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Saleha Ali

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has unveiled plans to overhaul Murree Road, a major thoroughfare connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with an estimated investment of Rs. 9 billion.

The project aims to improve road conditions and enhance traffic flow, benefiting thousands of commuters who rely on this key route.

RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza confirmed that the project will focus on two primary initiatives. The first involves the construction of service lanes on both sides of Murree Road, stretching from Liaquat Bagh to Chandni Chowk, at an estimated cost of Rs. 8.1 billion.

These lanes will significantly increase traffic capacity and make the road signal-free from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad once completed. A land acquisition survey is underway, with practical work expected to begin after funds are released by the provincial government.

The second initiative, costing Rs. 953 million, focuses on the rehabilitation of Murree Road from Saddar Flashman’s to Faizabad, including resurfacing and re-carpeting of the existing stretch. This upgrade follows the last major repairs, which took place in 2014 after the construction of the Metro Bus elevated track.

The Punjab government has asked RDA and other civic bodies to submit projects aimed at enhancing Rawalpindi’s infrastructure. These efforts are part of a broader development package for the city, which will also focus on improving water supply, sewerage, and civic amenities starting in 2026.

The RDA’s planned upgrades are expected to ease congestion, improve road safety, and present a cleaner, more organised appearance to the city’s visitors and residents alike.

Saleha Ali