LAHORE: The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has launched a Vocational Training Centre and a Lower Primary School at the Maskan-e-Ravi Low-Cost Housing Project, aiming to empower local communities.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, was attended by RUDA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mansoor Ahmed Janjua, who highlighted the significance of the project. The initiative is part of RUDA’s broader vision to provide essential services and opportunities to underserved communities. The housing project, which includes 100 residential units, aims to offer a comfortable living environment alongside educational and vocational support.

The Vocational Training Centre, developed in collaboration with the Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC), is designed to equip local women with practical skills, such as sewing and tailoring, thereby creating new employment opportunities and fostering economic independence. RUDA Director of Special Initiatives, Fatima Ali Khan, emphasized the centre’s role in empowering women and providing them with tools to build a sustainable livelihood.

This initiative is aligned with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has been supportive of efforts to uplift marginalized communities. The collaboration between RUDA, PVTC, and other stakeholders is expected to serve as a model for integrated community development.

Earlier this year, on January 13, 2025, the Maskan-e-Ravi Housing Scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, marking a significant step toward providing affordable housing for the needy and deserving families in the region.

LAHORE: The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has launched a Vocational Training Centre and a Lower Primary School at the Maskan-e-Ravi Low-Cost Housing Project, aiming to empower local communities.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, was attended by RUDA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mansoor Ahmed Janjua, who highlighted the significance of the project. The initiative is part of RUDA’s broader vision to provide essential services and opportunities to underserved communities. The housing project, which includes 100 residential units, aims to offer a comfortable living environment alongside educational and vocational support.

The Vocational Training Centre, developed in collaboration with the Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC), is designed to equip local women with practical skills, such as sewing and tailoring, thereby creating new employment opportunities and fostering economic independence. RUDA Director of Special Initiatives, Fatima Ali Khan, emphasized the centre’s role in empowering women and providing them with tools to build a sustainable livelihood.

This initiative is aligned with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has been supportive of efforts to uplift marginalized communities. The collaboration between RUDA, PVTC, and other stakeholders is expected to serve as a model for integrated community development.

Earlier this year, on January 13, 2025, the Maskan-e-Ravi Housing Scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, marking a significant step toward providing affordable housing for the needy and deserving families in the region.

Once again, it’s Pakistan vs India, and this time, it’s for the FINAL MATCH. Cricket fans all around the world are excited to see these age-old rivals in the finals. It’s going to be a historic event, as this is the first time in 41 years of Asia Cup history that these two teams will meet in the final.

Throughout Asia Cup 2025, both teams have clashed twice, with India claiming victory on both occasions. However, this time, things aren’t as predictable as they might seem. 

Against all odds, Pakistan has managed to reach the final, and here’s how they got there.

Group Stage Results

In the Super Four, team Pakistan and team India both continued to impress

Super Four Results

India finished the Super Four top of the table with 6 points, while Pakistan secured their place in the final with 4 points, finishing second.

Key Players to Watch

Abhishek Sharma has been in outstanding form for India, setting a record for the most runs in a single Asia Cup T20 edition, and his consistency will be vital in the final. 

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf has been a key bowler, with his pace and knack for breaking partnerships playing a crucial role. 

As both teams prepare for the historic final, all eyes will be on this thrilling showdown. Will India continue their dominance, or will Pakistan create an upset?

ISLAMABAD: City managers have decided to strictly enforce energy-efficient building codes in the capital, making adherence to the National Energy Conservation Building Codes 2023 mandatory for all upcoming construction projects.

At a meeting held at CDA Headquarters on Tuesday, chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and attended by National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) Managing Director Sardar Moazzam along with CDA board members, officials reviewed the adoption and implementation of the new codes and by-laws of the Pakistan Engineering Council.

Under the plan, building owners will be required to use energy-efficient materials and install low-voltage, energy-saving electrical systems. New building plans will not receive approval unless they comply with the updated standards. CDA has already issued a notification for their enforcement.

Officials noted that compliance will not only improve energy conservation but also reduce electricity costs for citizens. The meeting also discussed the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city, including at petrol pumps, government facilities, and commercial areas.

NEECA informed participants that it has developed software tools such as the Building Performance Database, ECBC Compliance Tool, and Residential Load Factor Tool to monitor implementation. Training programmes are also being conducted in relevant institutions.

CDA has directed the creation of a financial model to gradually bring older residential and commercial buildings into compliance, with phased implementation after financial reviews. Meanwhile, NEECA announced that electricity would be supplied to registered EV charging stations at subsidised rates, and CDA’s electric feeder buses would be registered with NEECA.

The meeting concluded with consensus on energy conservation, strict enforcement of energy-efficient building codes, and expanding EV charging infrastructure in Islamabad, in line with the prime minister’s vision of sustainable urban development.

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has launched a large-scale crackdown against illegal housing schemes and unauthorized constructions on the instructions of its Director General, Kinza Murtaza.

During the operation, the Task Force targeted several unapproved projects. At Islamabad City Housing in Katarian, near Shinwari Hotel on Main Airport Avenue, officials demolished the boundary wall, removed manhole pipes, sealed the site office, and lodged an FIR against the scheme’s owners, Qasim Bhatti and Nasir Bhatti.

At Waddia Homes in Mouza Morgha near Askari 14, the boundary wall, guard room, main gate, and barrier were demolished, while in Wazir Town Housing Scheme, 40 illegally under-construction shops in commercial markets were taken down.

An RDA spokesperson said the drive, supervised directly by DG Kinza Murtaza, will continue to curb fraudulent schemes and protect citizens from exploitation. She stressed that strict action will be taken against land grabbers and owners of illegal projects.

The authority also advised the public to avoid investing in unauthorized housing societies and to verify approvals through the official RDA website before making transactions.

ISLAMABAD: CDA and SNGPL have agreed to fast-track replacement of old gas pipelines in G-6 and Blue Area, aiming to complete work before winter. The new network will prevent leakages, improve pressure, and ensure uninterrupted supply, with strict action against illegal connections.

Chairman CDA  and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, met with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) General Manager Adnan Ahmed on Monday to review progress on the new gas pipeline network in the capital.

The meeting, attended by senior CDA officials, discussed ongoing replacement of deteriorated pipelines in Sector G-6 and Blue Area. It was agreed that installation work would resume without delay to ensure uninterrupted gas supply before winter.

Randhawa directed that the project be completed ahead of the cold season to prevent shortages, while ensuring consumers face no inconvenience during the replacement process. He also instructed SNGPL to provide early gas connections to the Gandhara Citizen Center in F-9 and to halt supply to illegal and unauthorized constructions.

SNGPL officials said a strategy was being implemented to improve gas pressure across the city, with all measures to be finalized before winter. Both CDA and SNGPL reaffirmed their commitment to working together for improved public services.

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) announced that more than 70 percent of work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) project has been completed, marking a major milestone in one of the region’s most significant infrastructure schemes.

The project is designed to serve as an economic corridor, with plans to establish logistics and education centres, a health city, a dry port, business hubs, industrial zones, transport terminals, wholesale markets, recreational parks, and residential communities along both sides of the route.

At a recent meeting on the Ring Road Economic Zones chaired by RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, officials reviewed progress and upcoming development prospects. Speaking at the session, Murtaza said the project would not only ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad but also deliver a cleaner, healthier, and safer urban environment.

She further noted that the initiative is expected to stimulate regional economic growth, generate employment, and improve civic facilities, assuring stakeholders that construction would be completed on an accelerated timeline.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s mining sector could see its revenues triple to $6–8 billion annually by 2030 if the country harnesses its vast mineral wealth, industry leaders said at the Natural Resources and Energy Summit 2025 on Wednesday.

Delivering the keynote, Shamsuddin A. Shaikh, CEO of National Resources Ltd (NRL), noted that Pakistan contributes only 0.15 percent to global mineral output and around 2–3 percent to its own GDP, despite being located on one of the richest mineral belts in the world. He said of the 92 known minerals in the country, nearly 90 percent remain unexplored.

Shaikh warned that delaying action would allow foreign companies to take the lead, urging Pakistani investors to form joint ventures and partnerships to capture opportunities. “This is the time for local companies to create wealth and jobs at home,” he stressed.

He outlined key projects already in motion, including Reko Diq, which is projected to generate $4–5 billion annually, Siah Diq ($1–2 billion), Thar coal expansion ($200 million), and barite, lead, and zinc projects ($100 million). Additional copper and gold exploration in Balochistan’s Chagai region, he said, could bring in $5–10 billion more annually after 2030.

Highlighting the social dimension, Shaikh said responsible mining could transform communities through job creation, better housing, and improved access to healthcare and education. “Mining is not just about minerals—it’s about uplifting lives and eradicating poverty,” he remarked.

Experts at the summit cautioned that the sector’s growth depends on stronger governance, regulatory consistency, and skilled human resources. They also pointed to climate challenges and policy uncertainty as risks, stressing that technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence, will be key enablers.

Bringing together policymakers, investors, and international experts, the summit positioned mining and energy as critical to Pakistan’s economic future. Concluding his address, Shaikh urged decisive action from both government and industry: “This is Pakistan’s moment. With the right policies and investments, mining can become a $10 billion-plus industry, driving growth, stability, and national pride.

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has initiated feasibility studies to promote tourism in the hill tehsils of Murree and Kotli Sattian, with a focus on introducing innovative projects aimed at enhancing the region’s appeal.

Backed by an allocation of Rs150 million, the studies will be completed within three months and cover developments such as two new chairlifts, Pakistan’s first sky glass bridge in Murree, glamping pod villages, and a modern jungle theme park.

As part of the plan, Kotli Sattian is being designated Punjab’s model tourism tehsil. A chairlift is proposed for the scenic Panj Peer mountain range, while another will be installed at a newly identified tourist spot in Murree. The proposed sky glass bridge in Murree will mark the country’s first of its kind.

Glamping pod villages, currently limited in number, are also set for expansion, with two to three additional sites under consideration. Meanwhile, jungle theme parks are envisaged in both tehsils with the private sector expected to play a significant role in development.

Speaking to the media, Asim Raza, Managing Director of the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP), said that Kotli Sattian is the principal focus of these initiatives. “It is emerging as a new tourist destination, blessed with green forests, rugged mountains, waterfalls, and natural springs,” he remarked.

The involvement of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides is also being planned to engage youth in the promotion and preservation of eco-tourism.

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $80.75 million (Rs 22.47 billion) for the Sindh Emergency Flood Assistance Project (EFAP), raising total project funding to $280.47 million (Rs 78.04 billion).

Launched after the 2022 floods, EFAP focuses on rebuilding irrigation, drainage, and flood protection systems while strengthening disaster resilience. Of the new funding, $54.42 million will go to civil works, with overall project progress reported at 43.9%.

So far, $135.33 million has been disbursed, though officials note delays due to contract disputes, land issues, and material shortages. ADB says the fresh allocation will speed up work in flood-prone districts and enhance Sindh’s long-term preparedness against climate-related risks.