ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to introduce dedicated bicycle tracks across Islamabad as part of efforts to promote sustainable transportation and improve urban mobility.
According to officials, the initiative aims to develop a comprehensive network of cycling lanes across various sectors and major roads in the federal capital. The project is intended to provide residents with an alternative mode of transport while reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact.
The bicycle track plan is part of broader urban development measures focused on enhancing public infrastructure and encouraging healthier commuting options. Authorities indicated that the project will include proper planning for connectivity between different sectors, ensuring accessibility and usability for daily commuters.
In addition to promoting cycling culture, the initiative is expected to contribute to environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions associated with conventional transport. Officials also highlighted that the development of cycling infrastructure aligns with efforts to modernize the city’s transport system and improve the quality of life for residents.
The CDA has previously undertaken planning for large-scale cycling networks, including proposals for extensive bicycle lanes and supporting facilities such as parking stands and safety infrastructure.
While detailed timelines for the latest phase have not been disclosed, the authority has indicated that the project will be implemented in stages as part of ongoing development efforts in the capital.
The initiative reflects a continued focus on sustainable urban planning and the introduction of alternative transport solutions in Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan-bound oil tanker successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, marking the first recorded passage of a non-Iranian cargo vessel through the waterway since Iran close strait of hormuz and imposed restrictions on shipping following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28.
The Aframax-class tanker, operated by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, completed its Strait of Hormuz transit on approximately March 15 after loading crude oil at Das Island in Abu Dhabi. The vessel was recorded navigating along the Iranian coastline of the Strait of Hormuz before altering course eastward toward Pakistan, where it is expected to dock on March 17.
Maritime intelligence firm MarineTraffic confirmed it was the first non-Iranian cargo ship to transit the Strait of Hormuz with its Automatic Identification System signal active, indicating that select nations have succeeded in securing negotiated passage through the strait.
Iran Strait of Hormuz Importance
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest navigable point, the Strait of Hormuz measures only 3.2 kilometres wide in each direction, yet serves as the transit corridor for approximately one-fifth of the world’s daily crude oil supply and one quarter of global seaborne liquefied natural gas exports.
There is no commercially viable alternative route for Gulf producers, making the Strait of Hormuz the most critical maritime chokepoint in the global energy system. Since Iranian forces effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to the majority of international shipping, Brent crude has surged more than 40 percent, trading above $100 per barrel as of this week.
Iran Publicly Thanks Pakistan for ‘Strong Support’
The successful Strait of Hormuz transit prompted an immediate public response from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post in Urdu on X formerly Twitter on Monday, extended his “heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their strong expression of solidarity and support with the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He further affirmed that Iran stood with steadfastness in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement reflects Iran’s policy of selectively permitting Strait of Hormuz passage to vessels from nations it regards as neutral or sympathetic. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has formally described Islamabad’s role throughout the conflict as that of a “bridge builder” a posture that has yielded a direct economic benefit in the form of access through the Strait of Hormuz that Western-aligned nations currently cannot secure.
Naval Operation and Selective Access
In the days preceding the Strait of Hormuz transit, Pakistan’s navy launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr to safeguard commercial shipping lanes and Pakistani-flagged vessels in regional waters. Naval authorities established contact with Iranian counterparts ahead of the passage. A military source confirmed no escort was ultimately required for the vessel.
Iran’s selective approach to the Strait of Hormuz blockade has extended to other nations as well.
Pakistan’s Economic Exposure
Pakistan’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz is among the most acute of any economy in the region. Approximately 80 percent of the country’s crude oil imports are ordinarily routed through the strait, and nearly 90 percent of its liquefied natural gas is sourced from Qatarall of which transits the Strait of Hormuz.
With strategic petroleum reserves of only 10 to 14 days, Pakistan has limited capacity to absorb prolonged disruption. The government has already enacted its largest single fuel price revision on record, raising petrol to Rs 321 per litre and diesel to Rs 335 per litre, an increase of 17 to 20 percent in a single adjustment.
A second PNSC tanker, which loaded crude at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu, was approximately three sailing days from Pakistan at the time of reporting. Pakistan’s finance ministry confirmed petroleum stocks remain comfortable, with supply coverage extending into mid-April, while diversification of import routes beyond the Hormuz corridor remains actively underway.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Posture
The tanker’s Strait of Hormuz passage is the most concrete economic outcome of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement since hostilities began. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Saudi Arabia on March 12 for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
At the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan maintained a calibrated position condemning strikes on Iran, affirming solidarity with Gulf states, and consistently urging all parties toward a negotiated resolution to the Hormuz crisis.
Whether the access Pakistan has secured through the Hormuz can be sustained, and whether it proves sufficient to shield an economy so heavily dependent on this single passage, remains the defining economic question for Islamabad in the weeks ahead.
KARACHI: Pakistan’s petroleum dealers have issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening to suspend the sale of petrol and diesel immediately after Eid al-Fitr if their longstanding demand for revised profit margins is not met.
The ultimatum was delivered by the leadership of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) at a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The PPDA has given the government until March 26 to increase dealers’ profit margins from the current 2.59 percent to 8 percent, a demand that has gained urgency in the wake of a steep Rs55-per-litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. At present, dealers earn approximately Rs8.64 per litre on fuel sales, a figure the association describes as wholly inadequate given the rising cost pressures on the sector.
Speaking at the press conference, PPDA leaders Abdul Sami Khan, Tariq Hasan, and Ameer Khan Masood argued that the combined effect of the petroleum levy and recent price increases has placed an unsustainable burden on both dealers and end consumers. The association further accused oil marketing companies (OMCs) of deliberately capping oil supplies to retail outlets, a practice it claims has led to fuel shortages at numerous pumps across the country.
The PPDA leadership also called for a formal government investigation into the conduct of OMCs, alleging that these companies have reaped significant inventory gains from profits on old fuel stocks, profits dealers say have come at the expense of those operating at the retail level.
This is not the first time dealers have raised these concerns. According to the PPDA, they have been pressing the government for upward margin revisions for over two years, with little to no response. Industry observers warn that a post-Eid strike, if carried out, could cause considerable disruption to fuel supply chains at a time when transport and economic activity typically surge.
ISLAMABAD: The provincial government has commenced construction on Phase-II of the Swat Motorway, initiating a project expected to significantly improve road connectivity and boost tourism across the Swat Valley.
Officials confirmed the launch, describing it as a key milestone in the government’s broader push to modernize transportation infrastructure throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Chief Minister stated that the motorway would ease travel across the region while generating new economic opportunities for local communities through increased visitor numbers and investment.
Authorities have linked the project to a wider provincial strategy aimed at reducing barriers to trade and development. Improved road access, officials noted, is expected to benefit multiple sectors, with tourism identified as a primary driver of anticipated growth.
The government has emphasized its commitment to quality construction and timely delivery. However, no specific completion date or project budget has been made public at this stage.
Local stakeholders have responded positively to the announcement, citing longstanding demand for reliable road infrastructure in the area. The motorway is expected to make the Swat Valley more accessible to both domestic and international visitors, strengthening its position as one of the province’s key tourism destinations.
Provincial authorities say construction will proceed under direct government supervision, with progress subject to ongoing review.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed an unprecedented surge in petroleum prices after the federal government announced a massive Rs55-per-litre increase in both petrol and diesel.
The price of petrol has risen from Rs266.17 per litre to Rs321.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs335.86 per litre, up from Rs280.86 per litre. Officials say the decision was driven primarily by a sharp rise in global oil prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
International oil markets have reacted strongly to regional instability, with crude prices nearing $100 per barrel. As an oil-import dependent country, Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets. A significant portion of the country’s oil imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route that has been affected by the conflict.
The government has also revised the petroleum development levy (PDL) as part of the price adjustment. The levy on petrol has been increased by Rs20, bringing it to around Rs105 per litre, while the levy on diesel has been reduced by Rs20. Authorities argue that the adjustments were necessary to manage fiscal pressures and maintain revenue targets.
The announcement triggered widespread concern among citizens. Long queues were reported at petrol pumps in several cities as motorists rushed to purchase fuel before the new prices. The government is also reviewing potential fuel conservation measures, including remote work arrangements and online classes, though no immediate implementation has been announced.
Analysts warn that the sharp increase in fuel prices could further intensify inflationary pressures, affecting transportation costs, food prices, and overall economic stability in the coming weeks.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering a series of emergency measures to manage petroleum supplies and pricing amid rising global uncertainty in oil transportation following disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
According to officials, the government is evaluating the possibility of shifting from the current fortnightly petroleum price adjustments to a weekly review mechanism. The proposed change aims to enable quicker responses to rapidly fluctuating global oil prices and shipping costs. Authorities are also exploring options to compensate oil marketing companies for the sharp increases in shipping insurance and freight charges resulting from heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
Government sources indicate that Pakistan currently holds more than 500,000 tonnes of petrol and diesel in stock, which is sufficient to meet national demand for approximately 25 to 26 days. Officials maintain that there is no immediate threat of a fuel shortage. However, precautionary measures are being implemented to safeguard supply chains and prevent potential market disruptions.
To secure continued energy imports, Pakistan has approached Saudi Arabia to facilitate oil shipments through alternative Red Sea routes, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, Pakistan State Oil has reportedly issued import tenders for shipments that would avoid the affected maritime corridor.
The situation has also significantly increased the cost of importing fuel. Insurance premiums for oil shipments have reportedly surged from about $30,000 to nearly $400,000 per vessel, while freight costs have risen to over $4 million per shipment, up from roughly $900,000 previously.
Officials warn that if the rising import costs are not managed through policy adjustments, the price gap could reach around Rs45–50 per litre for diesel and Rs25–26 per litre for petrol.
A cabinet committee led by the finance minister is closely monitoring developments and reviewing options to ensure stable fuel availability while minimizing the economic impact on consumers and the broader economy.
Golra Railway Station, officially known as Golra Sharif Junction Railway Station, is one of Pakistan’s most historically significant railway landmarks. Located on Golra Road in Islamabad, this station dates back to the late 19th century and continues to operate under Pakistan Railways.
What makes Golra Sharif Railway Station unique is its dual identity: it functions as an operational railway junction while also serving as a preserved heritage site through the Golra Sharif Railway Museum.
For travelers searching golra railway station golra road islamabad, railway history enthusiasts, or those looking for the Golra Railway Station contact number, this guide covers everything in depth.
Golra Railway Station, Golra Road Islamabad, is situated in Sector F-13 of Islamabad Capital Territory. Its location near the foothills of the Margalla Hills adds scenic value to the station’s historic presence.
Geographic Highlights
Feature
Details
Road Location
Positioned along Golra Road in Islamabad
Distance from Taxila
Approximately 17 km
Elevation
Around 1,994 feet above sea level
Accessibility
Easily accessible from central Islamabad and surrounding sectors
Because of its strategic location, Golra Sharif Railway Station historically served as a connecting point between northern regions and major railway routes. Today, its placement makes it accessible for tourists exploring Islamabad’s heritage attractions.
When searching online for directions to Golra Railway Station Golra Road Islamabad, mapping platforms recognize it as a major landmark.
Historical Background of Golra Sharif Railway Station
In the following sections, you can find the history of Golra railway station in chronological order.
Construction (1881–1882)
Golra Sharif Railway Station was constructed between 1881 and 1882 during the rapid expansion of railway infrastructure across British India. The late 19th century marked a transformative period in transportation development, and Golra Railway Station became part of that broader railway vision.
The railway system at the time was designed to:
Facilitate trade and commerce
Strengthen administrative control
Improve military logistics
Enhance regional connectivity
Golra Railway Station played a key role in linking northern territories with the main railway network.
Junction Status (1912)
In 1912, Golra Sharif Railway Station was officially upgraded to junction status. This development significantly enhanced its operational importance.
The station connected routes leading toward:
Peshawar
Kohat
Havelian
Multan
Jhelum
Becoming a junction transformed Golra Railway Station from a regional stop into a strategic railway hub. Its integration into the broader north–south railway corridor solidified its position in the region’s transport network.
Even today, this historic transition remains a defining milestone in the station’s legacy.
Architectural Features of Golra Railway Station
Golra Railway Station is admired for its preserved Victorian-era railway architecture. Unlike many historic stations that underwent extensive modernization, Golra Sharif Railway Station retains much of its original structural identity.
Key Architectural Elements
Yellow sandstone masonry
Thick stone walls for natural insulation
High ceilings for ventilation
Arched doors and windows
Spacious hall-style waiting rooms
Symmetrical colonial façade
The design reflects British-era railway construction standards, emphasizing durability and climate adaptation. The use of stone rather than brick adds to the building’s visual and structural longevity.
For visitors exploring Golra Railway Station Golra Road Islamabad, the architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
Operational Role of Golra Railway Station Today
Despite its historical roots, Golra Railway Station remains an operational railway facility. It continues to function under Pakistan Railways and forms part of the country’s primary north–south railway corridor.
Modern Operational Highlights
Functions as a junction station
Serves passenger and freight trains
Part of the main railway alignment connecting major cities
Listed in railway schedules and directories
While it may not be the busiest station in Islamabad, Golra Sharif Railway Station continues to support regional connectivity. Its continued operation enhances its authenticity as a living heritage site rather than a static monument.
Golra Sharif Railway Museum – Preserving Railway Heritage
Established in 2003, the Golra Sharif Railway Museum is one of Pakistan’s most important railway heritage initiatives. Located within the premises of Golra Railway Station, it preserves over 150 years of railway history.
The museum transforms Golra Sharif Railway Station from a transportation hub into a comprehensive historical experience.
Museum Exhibits and Collections
The museum houses an extensive collection of railway artifacts, including:
Vintage steam locomotives
Historic passenger coaches
Colonial-era saloon cars
Mechanical signaling systems
Telegraph and communication equipment
Antique railway furniture
Dining crockery used in railway services
Archival photographs and documents
Some preserved saloon cars are historically linked to prominent figures such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The outdoor locomotive displays are particularly popular among visitors and photographers, offering a rare glimpse into early railway engineering.
Renovation and Preservation Efforts
Over the years, Golra Railway Station has undergone restoration and preservation efforts to maintain its structural integrity and visitor appeal.
Renovation initiatives have focused on:
Strengthening original stone structures
Improving station facilities
Enhancing museum presentation
Preserving architectural authenticity
These efforts ensure that Golra Sharif Railway Station continues to serve both operational and heritage purposes.
The careful balance between modernization and preservation makes Golra Railway Station a model for railway heritage conservation.
Cultural Significance
Golra Railway Station is located near the historic town of Golra Sharif, known for the shrine of Pir Meher Ali Shah.
This proximity enhances the cultural and spiritual importance of the area. Visitors exploring Golra Sharif Railway Station often combine their visit with nearby cultural landmarks.
The blend of colonial railway history and spiritual heritage creates a layered historical landscape unique to this part of Islamabad.
Tourism Experience at Golra Railway Station
Golra Railway Station attracts:
Railway enthusiasts
Students and researchers
Photographers
Families
Domestic tourists
The experience of walking through a functioning historic railway station adds depth to a typical museum visit. Unlike conventional museums, Golra Sharif Railway Station allows visitors to witness real-time railway activity alongside preserved heritage displays.
Searching for golra railway station golra road islamabad often leads travelers to discover this unique combination of transport and history.
Golra Railway Station Contact Number & Visitor Information
Online search queries frequently include:
Golra Railway Station contact number
Train timings
Museum visiting hours
Directions to Golra Sharif Railway Station
For the most accurate and updated Golra Railway Station contact number, visitors should consult official railway inquiry services. Since operational details can change, confirming directly with the railway authorities ensures reliable information.
Travelers planning to visit Golra Railway Station Golra Road Islamabad are encouraged to verify train schedules and museum timings in advance.
Why Golra Railway Station Remains Important
Golra Railway Station continues to hold significance because it:
Dates back to the early 1880s
Became a junction in 1912
Preserves colonial architecture
Remains operational today
Houses Golra Sharif Railway Museum
Attracts cultural and heritage tourism
Few railway stations in Pakistan successfully combine active railway operations with preserved historic identity. Golra Sharif Railway Station stands out as a rare example of continuity between past and present.
Conclusion
Golra Railway Station represents more than a transportation facility; it reflects over a century of railway history, architectural heritage, and cultural evolution.
Whether searched as Golra Sharif Railway Station, golra railway station golra road islamabad, or by those looking for the Golra Railway Station contact number, it remains one of Islamabad’s most significant railway landmarks.
From its colonial origins in the 19th century to its continued role under Pakistan Railways, Golra Railway Station embodies the enduring legacy of railway infrastructure in the region.
ISLAMABAD: Authorities have announced a comprehensive traffic management plan in connection with the construction of a new underpass at Margalla Enclave on Park Road in Islamabad. The diversion strategy aims to regulate vehicular movement and minimize congestion during the development phase.
According to the advisory, vehicles traveling from Rawal Dam Chowk toward Taramari will be redirected via NIH Road and will rejoin Park Road through Mohra Noor. Meanwhile, traffic moving from Taramari toward Rawal Dam Chowk will be diverted near Chai Khana, passing through the CDA Nursery area and two temporary access roads before merging back onto Park Road.
Motorists have been advised to consider alternative routes, including Lehtrar Road, Khanna Pul, and the Islamabad Expressway, to avoid delays near the construction site. Officials have cautioned that the area is likely to experience increased traffic pressure, particularly during peak hours, and commuters are encouraged to allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes for travel.
Islamabad Police personnel will remain deployed along affected stretches to assist drivers and ensure the orderly movement of vehicles. The traffic management measures will remain in place for the duration of the construction work.
The underpass project forms part of ongoing infrastructure development efforts aimed at improving traffic flow along Park Road, a key corridor connecting residential and commercial areas of the capital. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with traffic officials and adhere to the designated diversion routes to maintain smooth traffic operations during the construction period.
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.
KARACHI: The Edhi Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has been officially integrated with the Green Line BRT, significantly improving connectivity for commuters in Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at the integration ceremony, the minister said the merger has expanded the Orange Line from four to 10 stations, enabling passengers to travel seamlessly from Orangi Town to Nagan Chowrangi. Under the new arrangement, Orange Line buses will operate along the Green Line BRT track, providing improved access and convenience for residents of Orangi Town.
The Orange Line BRT project was initiated in 2016 under the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) as a four-kilometre route from Orangi Town Office to Matriculation Board Office Chowrangi. Initially scheduled for completion in 2017, the project remained stalled for several years and was finally completed in 2022.
The project’s cost was revised twice, with the final budget reaching Rs5.5 billion, including the purchase, maintenance and operation of 20 buses and extension to Nagan Chowrangi. Operational responsibilities were later handed over to the Sindh Infrastructure Development Company Limited (SIDCL) for three years.
The minister also shared updates on the Green Line BRT extension, a 1.8-kilometre stretch from Numaish Chowrangi to Jama Cloth Market, which is expected to be opened to the public by October 31, 2026, according to assurances by Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL).
Memon noted that daily ridership on the Green Line has increased from 55,000 to 75,000 passengers, with a target of 100,000. He highlighted the introduction of a women-only BRT service, the arrival of electric buses, and announced the launch of a double-decker bus service on a trial basis from Malir to Shahrah-e-Faisal starting Wednesday.
He also outlined plans to expand bus services across Hyderabad, Khairpur, Shikarpur and Tando Allahyar, underscoring the Sindh government’s commitment to improving public transport across the province.
