Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi unveils digital ticketing, freight expansion, and infrastructure upgrades to revive Pakistan Railways.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced on Sunday that 11 passenger trains will be outsourced as part of Pakistan Railways’ wider modernization agenda aimed at improving efficiency, services, and revenue.

Speaking to journalists, Abbasi said the state-run enterprise, long criticized for stagnation, is now entering a phase of transformation. Ticketing has already been digitized, allowing passengers to book through 16 banks, Easypaisa, and Ufone Bank. To tackle fare evasion, ticket checkers will soon be equipped with handheld devices, a move expected to save nearly Rs1 billion annually.

The ministry has also shifted to an e-office system to streamline internal operations. Freight operations, Abbasi emphasized, will be prioritized to generate additional revenue that will be reinvested into passenger facilities.

On the infrastructure front, work is progressing on the 480-kilometer Rohri–Karachi track upgrade, with support anticipated from the Asian Development Bank. Further projects are also being coordinated with provincial governments in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan.

Abbasi reiterated that these reforms are intended to restore public confidence in Pakistan Railways while aligning the sector with modern, sustainable practices.

Rising inflation, monsoon rains, and design hurdles push back completion of city’s flagship road project.

Rawalpindi: The much-awaited Rawalpindi Ring Road project is facing another major setback, with its December 2025 completion deadline now unlikely to be achieved. Officials confirmed that inflation, soaring material costs, and heavy monsoon rains have slowed progress and pushed project expenses significantly higher.

Initially budgeted at PKR 32.9 billion, the project cost is now projected to rise by 40–50%. Nearly 70% of the 38.3-kilometer stretch has been completed, but continuous rainfall in recent weeks has hindered construction. Authorities plan to submit a revised PC-I to adjust for escalating costs, which will be reviewed by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and later forwarded to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for approval.

Another challenge is linking Thalian traffic to the motorway, where congestion remains unresolved. While the National Highway Authority (NHA) intends to expand lanes, its scheme has yet to progress. To ease pressure, the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has volunteered to finance a one-kilometer merging road itself.

Despite cost hikes and delays, officials emphasized the project’s priority status, highlighting its role in reshaping regional connectivity through five planned interchanges at Baanth, Chak Beli Khan, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, and Thalian.

Non-compliance with monitoring rules may lead to suspension and blacklisting under new amendments.

Islamabad – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a stern warning to sales taxpayers, announcing that those who refuse tax officers access to their business premises for stock, production, or clearance monitoring will face suspension or even blacklisting.

Under the revised Sales Tax Rules 2006, FBR now has the authority to suspend a taxpayer’s registration without prior notice if evidence suggests involvement in tax evasion, fake invoicing, or fraudulent practices. Suspensions will remain effective until inquiries are completed.

The amendments emphasize uniform enforcement across Large Taxpayer Offices (LTOs) and Regional Tax Offices (RTOs). Taxpayers may face suspension for denying access under sections 40B and 40C of the Sales Tax Act or for failing to provide mandatory records to Inland Revenue Officers.

Other triggers for suspension include business activity discrepancies exceeding five times declared capital, excessive transactions with already suspended taxpayers, non-filing of returns for three months, or submitting fraudulent returns.

While enforcement has been tightened, FBR clarified that taxpayers will still be given a chance for a public hearing before any final blacklisting or further punitive action.

Beautification, pedestrianisation, and underground utility works set to transform Rawalpindi’s busiest commercial hub

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has announced the launch of a PKR 470 million beautification and pedestrianization project in Raja Bazaar, set to begin after 12 Rabiul Awal. The development will cover the one-kilometer stretch from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road.

The initiative aims to transform the historic marketplace into a family-friendly, tourist-attractive hub by installing benches, lampposts, public washrooms, greenery, and upgraded signboards, while also restoring old buildings. Multiple departments, including the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), district administration, and RMC, will jointly oversee the project.

A key element of the plan is the underground shifting of utility lines. Iesco will spend PKR 200 million on laying new electricity cables, while SNGPL and PTCL have been allocated PKR 30 million each, and Wasa will receive PKR 5 million for water line relocation. Of the total cost, PKR 250 million will go toward utility works, while PKR 220 million will be dedicated to beautification and public facilities.

The plan also features a new traffic management system, additional parking, and a model market with modern amenities. However, local traders have voiced concerns over restricted access, declining business, and lack of consultation, warning of protests if traffic flow is not restored by August 15.

Interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to help middle-income families build their dream homes

Lahore, Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin has announced that 2,000 middle-income families will be granted free residential plots in the first phase of the provincial government’s Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar program.

Along with the plots, beneficiaries will receive interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to assist in home construction. The announcement was made during a briefing by Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) Director General Sikandar Zeeshan, who revealed that over 367,000 applications have been received for the scheme. The initial screening process is underway, with transparent balloting to follow for plot allotment.

District-wise allocations include Jhelum (730 plots), Kasur (388), Faisalabad (257), Lodhran (218), and Okara (130). Smaller allocations range from 55 plots in Layyah to just 2 in Chiniot, covering 19 districts in total.

Minister Yasin stated that the initiative is designed to make poor and middle-income families landowners, ensuring they have a foundation for secure housing. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair distribution, transparency, and financial support, calling the program a vital step toward reducing the housing gap in Punjab and improving living standards for thousands of families.

In a bid to boost urban greenery and improve public services, the Parks and Horticulture Authority raises fees, enforces plantation rules, and launches new sustainability initiatives.

Lahore: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has approved a major revision to its no-objection certificate (NOC) policy for housing societies, doubling the fee from PKR 50,000 to PKR 100,000 per kanal. The decision was finalized during the PHA’s 27th Board of Directors (BoD) meeting on Friday, chaired by BoD Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt. Under the new guidelines, housing societies must plant at least two trees for every 10-marla plot and four trees for every one-kanal plot, reinforcing the city’s green infrastructure.

The meeting also approved an MoU with the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, enabling PHA to maintain green spaces in hospitals in exchange for discounted medical services for its employees.

In sports development, five grounds will remain under Pakistan Cricket Board management, while proposals for auctioning 16 other PHA-controlled grounds were discussed. Additional decisions included purchasing a hydro seeder mulching machine, implementing a 10% hike in park booking rates, and launching the “Adopt-a-Park” CSR initiative.

The board also sanctioned a 10+10-year lease policy and confirmed that salaries for both regular and contractual employees will be disbursed by the first of each month.

From motorways to reforestation, the ambitious portfolio spans energy, environment, health, education, and connectivity to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

Islamabad: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, on Thursday approved 27 development projects worth over PKR 1.5 trillion in under two hours, marking a major step toward Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic transformation.

The approved portfolio includes key road projects such as the PKR 363 billion Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6), the PKR 415 billion N-25 Karachi–Quetta–Chaman “Balochistan Expressway,” and several provincial road dualization and rehabilitation schemes. Major environmental initiatives were also cleared, including the PKR 122.2 billion Green Pakistan Programme for forest restoration and biodiversity enhancement.

Other significant approvals cover the Naltar Hydropower Project (16 MW), the PKR 49.3 billion Lahore Sewerage System upgrade, the PKR 27 billion Punjab Laptop Programme, flood management projects in Balochistan, and multiple tourism, water security, and higher education programs.

Dar emphasized the government’s resolve for inclusive, sustainable development backed by institutional reforms and long-term stability. Officials noted that the projects will boost connectivity, improve public services, and stimulate economic growth across Pakistan, with Sindh and Balochistan receiving substantial allocations.

The meeting also referred the Sehat Sahulat Card scheme to a review committee for further evaluation.

New Partnership Aims to Turn Gwadar into a Thriving Trade and Industrial Hub Under CPEC Vision

Karachi: In a move set to accelerate economic activity in Pakistan’s southwestern region, the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has signed a letter of intent with China’s Xinning Enterprise to fast-track the development of the Gwadar Free Zone. This collaboration is geared toward attracting industrial and commercial investment and enhancing Gwadar’s role as a strategic trade and transshipment hub.

The letter was received by Umer Zaffar Shaikh, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, on behalf of the GPA, while Yi Jiang signed on behalf of Xinning. Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch also attended the signing ceremony via video link.

The partnership focuses on relocating industries to Gwadar, optimizing infrastructure, and boosting commercial operations within the Free Zone. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry lauded the initiative, stating that Xinning’s involvement will strengthen port functionality and foreign investment.

He assured that all developments will comply with Pakistan’s legal framework and highlighted the strategic importance of Gwadar in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

This agreement underscores Gwadar’s growing relevance in regional trade and signals a significant step in Pakistan’s long-term maritime and economic development strategy.

Punjab Government and Pakistan Railways Join Forces for Eco-Friendly Urban Renewal

Lahore, August 5, 2025: In a landmark move towards sustainable city development, the Punjab Government, in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, has launched the Green Corridor Project, aimed at turning a 40-kilometer railway stretch between Shahdara and Raiwind into a vibrant, eco-friendly urban zone.

The PKR 2.25 billion project will cover 700 kanals of railway-adjacent land and is expected to be completed within a year. Designed to reduce pollution and beautify Lahore’s urban fabric, the corridor will include green belts, public spaces, and repurposed railway carriages transformed into libraries, cafés, and cultural hubs.

The route is divided into four segments for efficient development: Shahdara to Lahore Railway Station, Walton, Walton to Kot Lakhpat, and Raiwind. All segments will be developed simultaneously to meet the ambitious timeline.

The PC-1 has been submitted for final approval, marking a key step forward. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her commitment to sustainable urban initiatives.

“This corridor won’t just enhance Lahore’s landscape — it will set a precedent for green transformation across Pakistan,” Abbasi stated.

The project is poised to become a flagship model for eco-conscious infrastructure nationwide.

Monsoon Safety Campaign Targets Encroachments Threatening Flood Management in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, July 31, 2025:  The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has kicked off a primary monsoon enforcement drive against illegal constructions and encroachments near natural drains and dams across the city, acting on the directives of Director General Kinza Murtaza.

The initiative, launched to enhance public safety during monsoon season, began with targeted operations along Adyala Road, Dhamial Road, Dhamial-Kalyal Link Road, and the surrounding areas. Ten notices were issued to property owners for hazardous and unauthorized developments that obstruct stormwater flow and increase urban flooding risks.

Enforcement teams, led by Assistant Director Shiza Tanweer and Building Surveyor Aamir Mahmood Malik, also conducted inspections at Jawa and Misriot Dams to assess flood vulnerabilities and potential water contamination threats.

DG Kinza Murtaza emphasized zero tolerance for violations, especially for illegal structures along drainage channels, aligning with the strict urban safety mandate of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She highlighted that this campaign is part of RDA’s larger strategy for sustainable urban planning and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Citizens are urged to cooperate and avoid illegal construction near nullahs and dams, safeguarding the city from future environmental risks.