Prime Minister’s package for the construction industry would be a game changer: Mian Zahid Hussain

KARACHI : Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, has welcomed Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of a comprehensive development package for Pakistan's construction sector. He said that effective and timely reforms can transform Pakistan’s construction sector into a major engine of economic growth, employment generation and industrial activity. He fu

rther said that the government’s proposals for the establishment of a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the possible establishment of a Construction Development Bank (CDB), improvement in trade policies and tax reforms are timely and important. The proposed framework also includes extending the defect liability period to improve the quality and accountability of public-sector projects.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that the construction sector is moving towards recovery. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, the construction sector grew by 5.7 percent during FY2025-26. This progress is particularly important because construction has direct linkages with more than 40 allied and related industries, including cement, steel, glass, ceramics, cables, electrical equipment, paints, sanitary products, transport and engineering services. He said cement sales data also confirms the improvement in domestic construction activity. During FY2025-26, total cement dispatches increased by 7.2 percent to 50.5 million tonnes, compared with 47.1 million tonnes in the previous year. Domestic cement sales increased even faster, rising 9.5 percent to 41.507 million tonnes. The positive trend continued into the new fiscal year, as total cement dispatches reached 4.476 million tonnes in July 2026, up 6.02 percent year-on-year. Domestic cement sales recorded a significant 17.3 percent increase to 3.771 million tonnes, compared with 3.215 million tonnes in July 2025. Mian Zahid Hussain expressed his concern over the decline in cement exports by 30 percent to 705,341 tonnes, highlighting the high cost of doing business and the need to improve the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s cement industry.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that the current recovery in the construction sector should not be limited to temporary incentives but should be converted into long-term structural reforms. With the federal Public Sector Development Programme at around Rs1 trillion for FY2026-27, greater private-sector participation in housing, commercial development and infrastructure will be essential. He appreciated Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s focus on construction-sector reforms and expressed confidence that the proposed CIDB would be developed as a genuine public-private platform rather than another bureaucratic institution. It should play an effective role in setting national standards, accelerating approvals, improving contractor accountability and resolving industry disputes.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that a specialised construction financing system or institution should be established in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks to address the gap of long-term and low-cost financing. He also called for a digital one-window approval system, improvements in tax policy, faster land and building approvals, digitisation of land records and reduction in duties on construction materials. He said government incentives should be directed towards affordable housing, vertical urban development, green buildings, earthquake-proof construction, locally produced construction materials and the adoption of modern technologies.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that Pakistan must now view the construction sector not merely as a real-estate activity but as a multiplier for industrial growth. With construction growing by 5.7 percent and domestic cement demand increasing significantly, timely reforms can strengthen employment generation, investment, innovation, dozens of allied industries and overall economic growth.

Prominent Journalists Discuss the Challenge of Fake News at Greenwich University

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Greenwich University’s Department of Media, Art, and Design hosted a compelling panel discussion titled "Navigating Fake News in the Digital Era" on May 22 at its DHA campus. The event brought together several renowned media professionals who shared candid insights into the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation in today’s digital landscape.

The two-session panel featured leading names in journalism, including Manzar Naqvi, Syed Khalid Mahmood, Mazhar Abbas, Mubashir Mir, and Muhammad Nazakat Ali. Their thought-provoking commentary engaged a diverse audience of students, scholars, and media practitioners, sparking meaningful dialogue on digital journalism, ethics, and media responsibility.

Moderated by veteran journalist Iqbal Jamil and Dr. Sundus Basharat Ahmad, Assistant Professor and Programme Manager of International Relations at DHA Suffa University, the event was a showcase of expertise and experience in tackling fake news.

The first session, led by Dr. Sundus Basharat Ahmad, featured Mazhar Abbas (Senior Journalist and Columnist, Geo News/Daily Jang), Mubashir Mir (Senior Journalist and Resident Editor, Daily Pakistan), Tariq Moin Siddiqui (Bureau Chief, Geo News), and Syeda Hoor Shumail (Editor-in-Chief, Pakistan State Time). The discussion highlighted the media’s ethical responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of unbiased and fact-based reporting. Panelists also reflected on the challenges media organizations face when navigating state narratives, especially in sensitive contexts such as international conflict.

The second session, moderated by Iqbal Jamil, focused on the role of digital media literacy in combating misinformation. Panelists included Manzar Naqvi (Editor-in-Chief, The Financial Daily), Syed Khalid Mahmood (Journalist, Author, Blogger), Muhammad Nazakat Ali (Chief Editor, KarachiObserver.com), and Ali Asghar (Senior Journalist, PTV News). They offered real-world examples and called for collaborative strategies to counter the spread of fake news across digital platforms.

Speakers underscored the importance of media literacy, urging joint efforts by media houses, academia, and civil society to foster critical thinking and safeguard the integrity of information. It was noted that audiences increasingly rely on traditional and credible sources, such as established newspapers, to verify digital content.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees posed insightful questions to the panelists. The exchanges were handled with clarity and openness, reinforcing the educational value of the discussion.

In their closing remarks, Iqbal Jamil, Dr. Uzma Qazi, and Dr. Sabir Ahmed reaffirmed Greenwich University’s commitment to promoting ethical journalism and announced plans for similar initiatives in the future.

The panel discussion was praised as a timely and impactful initiative. Many students expressed that they left the event better informed and more aware of their role in discerning truth in the digital age.

Ceremony of Konpal Internship program held in Karachi

Last session and concluding ceremony of Konpal Internship program was held on 23rd Sept 2023 at Konpal office .Twelve nursing students of ziauddin and KU attended the program. They presented the survey results of their last assignment and shared their recommendations for the Community of Musa colony.

The program ended with the certificate distribution. Students highly appreciated the Internship program and volunteered to participate in any future activities of Konpal. Dr Pamela Marshall Dean ZSN thanked Prof Aisha Mehnaz, Ms Shahnaz Yasin , Mr Adil and konpal team for taking this initiative.

Sindh CM, bigwigs laud Barrister Sarah’s cultural diplomacy paintings

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Barrister Sarah Asim Khan’s creativity earned more accolades as her second Art Exhibition, in collaboration with the Consulate of Italy in Karachi, turned out to be another success story. The admiration of guests for her artwork also encouraged women empowerment. 

The recent exhibition was aligned with the celebration dinner of Italian National Day at the Hotel Avari Towers in Karachi, hosted and organized by the Consulate of Italy in Karachi under the leadership of Consul General of Italy, Danilo Giurdanella. 

The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, was the chief guest on the occasion and he graciously endorsed Sarah’s cultural diplomacy paintings pertaining to different countries. 

The Acting Governor of Sindh, Agha Siraj Durrani, Sindh Minister for Health, Azra Pechuho, Rear Admiral Mian Zakirullah Jan, Commander Karachi, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, MD Shipyard & EW, Sector Commander Rizwan, Iqbal Memon, Commissioner Karachi, Faisal Edhi, Chairman, Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation, and Ahmed Shah, President, Arts Council of Pakistan, were also present on the occasion along with diplomats and dignitaries from Britain, United States of America, Kuwait, Germany, Indonesia and various other countries. 

Barrister Sarah is acclaimed as the pioneer of cultural diplomacy and international mythological art in Pakistan. She has created paintings for 30 countries during the last couple of years which were displayed at the event. 

She created one of the paintings for the Consulate of Italy to promote friendship, trade and harmony between the countries which is titled ‘Italy and Pakistan Solidarity Beyond the Borders’ and it is displayed at the Consulate of Italy in Karachi. 

Another of her painting, which pertains to wildlife, is displayed in the office of Deputy Consul of Italy, Enrico Alfonso Ricciardi, also at the Consulate of Italy in Karachi. The diplomat had mentioned and praised Sarah’s paintings during his speech at Italian National Day. 

A lawyer by profession with varied experience in the UK and Pakistan, having diverse extracurricular interests in art, wildlife, hiking, travelling and social work, Barrister Sarah has emerged on the horizon as one of the most versatile young leaders. 

She attained her entire legal education at the University of London, including Bachelor of Laws, Masters in Corporate and Commercial Laws from Queen Mary College and a qualification in Intellectual Property Law and Policy from the London School of Economics & Political Science. 

Upon being called to the Bar at the Society of Lincoln’s Inn, she underwent Pupillage with a Chamber at King’s Bench Walk, London, and acclaimed eligibility to practice as a Barrister in the UK. She remains active in the legal fraternity and was the Programme Host and Master of Ceremony of 4th National Judicial Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi in which the then Federal Law Minister, Barrister Farogh Nasim, was the chief guest and the Attorney General of Pakistan, Anwar Mansoor Khan, was the guest of honour.  

Inspiration for arts made her a self-taught artist, patronizing conservation of wildlife, harmonizing world cultures and heritage and with it promoting the soft-image of Pakistan to the world. Enthused by socializing with people from different countries, cultures and walks of life, her art-work is unique and creative in blending mythologies and national symbolism of the countries in art. 

As President of Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, RI District 3271 during 2018-19, she was recipient of the Outstanding Services to the Cause of Rotary Award as well as Recognition of Performance District Support Rotary Award. 

Her artwork and columns have supported Rotary’s cause of protecting the environment. Some of her paintings pertain to abstract wildlife which cultivates eagerness for the prosperity of flora and fauna. Furthermore, she is a columnist on subjects relating to wildlife conservation and environmental protection. 

Her columns diligently create awareness about safeguarding the natural environment for a thriving ecosystem which plays an essential role for the harmonious coexistence of humans and wild animals; and, ecofriendly recreational activities. 

As an active Rotarian, Barrister Sarah has contributed to enhance the positive public image of Rotary International which remains committed to providing humanitarian services around the globe with magnanimous and high spirits.

Waqar Hashmi likely to become new KWSB chief

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

With the post of Managing Director of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) having fallen vacant, the Sindh Government has started considering names of four officials for the lucrative posting as MD KWSB with Waqar Ahmed Hashmi, a Grade-20 officer working as Deputy Managing Director, being considered as the favourite. 

The names of the candidate for the new incumbent are under review at the Sindh Government level following the retirement of Farida Salam. Out of four names being given due consideration for the post, two officials are in Grade 20 while the remaining two are in Grade-19. 

The two Grade-19 officials are DMD Finance Rafiq Qureshi and Salahuddin who have started drumming their sources to clinch the coveted slot by hook or by crook. 

According to the sources, the name of Waqar Hashmi is being given top priority consideration keeping in view his capabilities and expertise besides his solid reputation of being an honest and committed officer throughout his career. He has vast experience of working at the KWSB in various cadres including Secretary Karachi Board, Principle Staff Officer, Director Revenue, Taxes and other important slots 

Meanwhile some of the former MDs of Water Board are learnt to have suggested those at the helm of affairs in Sindh Government about the name of Waqar Hashmi and pinpointed that being the most experienced officer he can play a pivotal role in resolving the water and sewerage problems of this ever sprawling city.

NLA officials sprint across Karachi libraries

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top officials of the National Library Association (NLA) recently undertook visits of some of the educational and research institutions of Karachi to obtain first-hand information about the libraries working. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and its Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, managed to sprint across no less than half a dozen such establishments in a matter of just two days. They were warmly greeted by the working librarians and almost all of them pledged support to the cause of the Association. 

Bahria University, Karachi School of Business and Leadership, University of Karachi, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transportation, Sindh High Court and Dow University of Health Sciences were among the institutions visited by the NLA delegation.

“It was both a fact finding mission as well as a reunion. Besides learning about their latest engagements and activities, we also brainstormed about doing things for the further progress of our fellow library professionals. It was unanimously agreed that coordinated efforts were needed to bring about meaningful changes,” the NLA President remarked. 

“The NLA was appreciated for its proactive approach and we have been assured cooperation and support of various kinds by the institutions we visited. On our part we urged all the library professionals to contribute their bit in this movement in whatever way it was possible for them. We made them understand that every effort, minor or major, will go a long way in further strengthening the NLA and let us achieve our cherished goals,” Muzaffar Ali Shah concluded.

Railways to undertake ML-1 project in phases

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan Railways has decided to take up ML-1 project, which was earlier to be carried out as a part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), at its own and it will be completed in different phases 

This was disclosed by the CEO of Pakistan Railways, Farrukh Taimur Ghilzai, while addressing the officials of the Karachi Division during his latest visit. 

Earlier he held a meeting with the Divisional officers at the Divisional Superintendent Office upon arrival here from Lahore during his two-day tour of Karachi. 

Upon arrival at the Karachi Cantonment Station, the CEO was welcomed by the DS Karachi, Kashif Rasheed Yusufani, and other senior divisional officers. 

In the meeting, the CEO was given a detail briefing on the attainment of targets in Karachi Division during the current financial year. 

The CEO informed that the ML-1 project will be completed from Karachi to Hyderabad in the first phase to be followed from Hyderabad to Tando Adam and Tando Adam to Rohri in the second and Rohri to Khanpur in the third phase during which the tracks will be fully upgraded. 

The Railways chief shared that their organization was fully aware of the problems of travelling public and they have decided not to raise the railway fares despite fuel prices hike. 

He called upon the officials to serve the people with true dedication and honesty to bring improvement in the railway’s credibility and quality of public service. 

After presiding over the meeting at the DS Office, the Railways CEO also met Engr Nisar Memon, Chief of PRFTC Chief, obtaining first-hand information from him about goods trains. He later went around the South-Asia Pakistan Terminal where he was given a detailed briefing by the CEO of Hohisin Company, Capt Rashid Jamil.

NLA ponders over street libraries chains

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has started pondering on establishing a chain of street libraries throughout the country and it has already shortlisted the sites which could be turned into places of learning. 

 

“We recognize the initiatives of a few individuals and organizations in relation of development street libraries in some parts of the country but we consider it just a drop in the ocean. We don’t need just one two or three street libraries but we require it in hundreds and thousands across the country to cater to the needs of the big population,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, remarked after presiding over a couple of meetings in this regard in as many days. 

 The first meeting was held at the historic D J Science College in Karachi where the waiting area in the newly constructed site on Burns Road has been proposed by the NLA by for the development of a street library in the densely populated locality. 

It was followed by another midnight meeting hosted by the Syed Sultan Ali, Member, Executive Committee, NLA, who volunteered to look into the possibilities of establishing a street library in the lawn of his corner bungalow, located in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. 

Besides the NLA President, Muzaffar Ali Shah, the meeting was also attended by its Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, who appreciated the spirit of fellow member Sultan Ali, who has actively participated in the other events as well.

The high energy of the NLA top functionaries augurs well for the community of librarians in the country which didn't have the kind of leaders needed to motivate and drive them.

NLA establishing new tradition for book promotion

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA), which emerged on the horizon in 2017, is in the process of establishing a new healthy tradition for the genuine promotion of books as it encourages its members to bring books during its various events for its onward donation to the deserving institutions on the occasion. 

For its ceremony organized to celebrate the World Book and Copyright Day at the Junagadh Lawn on May 21, the NLA had highlighted in the invitation card that there will no registration fee for the event but every guest must bring along a book or two for donating the same to the Junagadh Library & Resource Centre. 

The NLA members and guests responded positively and there was a collection of more than one hundred books on different subjects which was gifted to the officials of the Junagadh Library & Resource Centre who gleefully accepted the package.

Similarly instead of giving away shields or momentoes to the dignitaries and guests of honour, the NLA presented books to the distinguished visitors gracing the ceremony, who thoroughly appreciated the move of the hosts.

Advisor’s compelling address stuns librarians

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Advisor of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Khalid Mahmood, stunned the audience with a compelling address during the ceremony organized to celebrate the World Book & Copyright Day at the Junagadh Lawn in Karachi on May 21. 

Although he has never been a library professional himself, he has earned appreciation and reverence from the librarians spread all over the country for having promoted their cause for the last many years and yet again he pleaded their case for due recognition. 

“The librarians employed at the government organizations are blessed with proper grades and facilities but those working in the private sector were not getting adequate compensation which is a pity. This is a serious matter and it demands action. Unity in the ranks of librarians will help resolve such issues,” he advised. 

“The NLA has provided you the platform. Our President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary, Anwar Hussain, have worked with missionary zeal for the last five years to keep it afloat. A few others have assisted them from time to time but let me assure you that it’s in your own interest too if you contribute your bit in making this movement more effective,” Khalid Mahmood, a renowned media personality, remarked. 

“Post-registration the NLA will have mandate to do bigger things. Therefore start extending your support by whatever means right now, if you haven’t started doing it yet. Strong NLA will make you stronger, your profession stronger. It will be for the collective benefit of all professionals,” he stressed.

DS Karachi emphasizes on improving Railways efficiency, safety

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Emphasizing the imperative need for ensuring immaculate safety aspect in train operation, the Divisional Superintendent Railways, Karachi Division, Kashif Rashed Yusufani, called upon the Divisional Officers and all other concerned personnel to contribute their bit in achieving the cherished objective of providing hazard-free service to railway passengers. 

He was speaking as chief guest at a one ‘Train Safery Operation seminar organized at the Technical Training Center on his directive. 

The seminar was attended by Divisional officers, Assistants, Train examiners, PWI, Guards, Station Masters and other relevant officials. The main objective was to acquaint them about how to take measures in advance to cope with accidents. 

The DS was appreciative of the officials and the staff members who were working efficiently despite problems of material and staff shortage.

He exhorted the officials and subordinates in charges to essential ensure carrying out now and then inspection of various railway installations and told them that timely inspections will surely reduce problems by 60-70 percent because such inspections would surely help pin point the safety related problems. 

He emphasized that no one should hide the problems, if identified, whether it related to track system, rolling stock or engine defection and the same should be forwarded to concerned officials for immediate remedial action.

“The staff must necessarily share the same with their officials as hiding the same or keeping it in abeyance, will be harmful for the railway,” he declared, adding that they will have to work together in making Pakistan Railways a profitable entity. 

His emphasis was that rules and regulations must be observed fully as only this could help the organization in making further advancements.

On the occasion Divisional Transportation Officer (DTO) Sajjad Ahmed Wagho, apprised the seminar participants about the importance of the event in detail and recalled that many lives were lost in trains accidents during the past few years besides accruing financial losses to the railway which also caused damage to the Railways credibility. 

The seminar was informed about three main reasons for accidents which were the condition of tracks, rolling stock problems and human error. Besides, natural calamities, subversion, material shortage and problems in defective signaling system were identified as other causes of accidents. 

The seminar proposed setting up of safety cell, procurement of safety materials, surprise inspections and taking immediate corrective measures of minor deficiencies as short term remedies. 

The seminar was attended, among others, by Deputy DS Shahid Hussain Sammpn, DCO Ishaq Baluch, DME-I Junaid Ahmed, DME-II Habibullah Maher, DN-I Kamran Ghauri, Assistant Operating Officer Shahid Hussain Khilji, Assistant Transportation Officer, Jahan Babar, Station Managers Karachi Cantonment, Karachi City, Keamari, Kotri and Hyderabad.

AKU President hosts diplomat dinner

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of the Aga Khan University (AKU), hosted a dinner reception in the honour of diplomats from around the world in Karachi. 

“The AKU’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research and healthcare delivery,” the AKU President observed while briefing diplomats on the university's contributions and social impact.

“The AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, including Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom. Being a not-for-profit institution, all revenues generated by the University and its hospitals are invested back in education and research, and in helping patients and improving healthcare,” he stressed. 

Sulaiman Shahabuddin also talked about AKU’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. “The AKU’s first solar power project in Pakistan is a key step forward to realizing our environment and climate ambitions. Using renewable, clean energy brings not only cost savings but benefits people and the planet alike,” he said. 

The dinner was attended by diplomats from France, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and other countries.

#karachi #karachinews #karachialerts #AllAboutKarachi #karachipakistan #karachieducation #karachi #karachipakistan #KarachiUpdates #karachilatest

KWSB official warns of grave water crisis, demands forensic audit

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Muhammad Suleman Chandio, Advisor, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB), has warned the concerned authorities about the possibilities of grave water crisis if remedial and preemptive actions were not taken immediately. He has also demanded for the forensic audit of the K-IV project. 

The ex-Special Secretary (Technical) to Local Government Department, Government of Sindh, and a former Managing Director of the KWSB, in an interview with PNFS, pointed out that it’s for the first time in the last 63 years when the shortage of water at entry of Sindh, Gudoo Barrage, is 60%. 

“Karachi has Keenjhar Lake as the only storage for the metropolis. The levels of lake are rapidly decreasing from 54 feet to 47 feet whereas dead level is 43 feet after which water cannot be accepted by the KW&SB K-G Canal. The inflow now entering in Lake is less than daily drawl 1200 cusecs/650 MGD from lake so lake levels are rapidly decreasing. The rate of decrease of level in two weeks is one foot and now consumption of balance of four Ft level will take in hardly less than two months,” he remarked. 

“There is still one month more required to reach water at Guddoo Barrage and from that to Keenjhar it travels in three weeks. In case of theft in K.B Feeder dead level may come early than receipt of water of glaciers water. That situation will be very dangerous for more than 20 million people of Karachi. Riots can erupt in whole city which will not be controllable if there’s no water available in Karachi,” he added. 

Suleman Chandio urged the civil and military agencies to take it as SOS message to ensure that any case there shall be no further reduction of Keenjhar Level and shall be maintained a few feet above dead level of 43 feet. Corp-5 Headquarter may establish an Emergency Centre and control the situation in advance before it becomes too late.

“The current situation reflects the worst storage position for the present drawl of 1200 cusecs/650 MGD. What will happen when we will draw additional 1200 cusecs/650 MGD for total 2400 cusecs/1300 MGD for which no additional storage other than Keenjhar Lake is available because due to wrong Route of K-IV which is situated high upon Kheerther-Range Mountain for vested interest for two famous housing towns and there will be zero water for K-IV during non-season as per usual phenomenon,” the KW&SB official regretted. 

“The present K-IV route is totally failure in result of finding of NESPAK as third party in 2019, failure in availability of water storage, failure of intake from Lake, failure being in belt of earthquake zone, unnecessary Power House being established, unnecessary extra staff colonies and malafiedly tendered without feasibility of new scope of work based upon in about 120 kilometers,” he felt. 

“Pipelines scope of work has been suggested by the blue-eyed contractors of high ups and now K-IV under execution with WAPDA is totally failure. WAPDA's consultants did not undertake all the required surveys, studies on ground and any selection of pipeline scope of work and any design in absence of these actual ground surveys, studies stayed useless and malafide,” Suleman Chandio revealed. 

“Strangely why feasibly study before preparation of PC-I has been ignored although this step for 146 billion engineering mega project can't be condoned or bypassed by Government of Pakistan and how fictitious pipe design and tenders were floated and how work orders were issued in absence of all requirements mentioned above,” he questioned. 

He demanded forensic audit be performed and the work orders issued to consultants and contractors regarding K-IV shall be cancelled until the arrival of audit report.

Railways DS inspects Karachi City Station

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Divisional Superintendent, Pakistan Railways, Karachi Division, Kashif Rasheed Yusfani, paid a detailed visit to the City Railway Station and inspected various railway installations, reservation offices, washing line, carriage and wagon store beside other facilities. 

At the washing line he inspected the coaches of Sukkur Express and issued directives for immediate repairing of the hydrants, which were out of order, and also repair the afflicted pits. 

He directed the officials of engineering branch to personally carry out inspections of tracks by foot. He gave a cash award of Rs 1,000 to TXR Shabbir Ahmed of Mechanical Branch. 

He called for proper maintenance and cleanliness in the reservation office and stressed on cordial behavior with visitors. He also issued on the spot directive of making fans and air-conditioning system operational.