Day: July 16, 2026

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Construction sector a vital part of Karachi’s sustainable development: Waqasi


Karachi: Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentary Leader in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Karamullah Waqasi, has said that the active participation of the construction sector is indispensable for Karachi’s sustainable development, modern urban planning, and the provision of improved basic civic facilities to its citizens.



He stated that the Government of Sindh and the KMC are taking practical measures to modernize the city’s infrastructure and provide lasting solutions to urban challenges through a comprehensive development strategy.



Karamullah Waqasi said that the meeting between Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab and a delegation of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), led by its Chairman Hassan Bakhshi, was highly productive and result-oriented.



The meeting featured detailed discussions on ongoing development projects in Karachi, the promotion of the construction sector, urban infrastructure, the development of informal settlements, traffic management, and strengthening cooperation between public institutions and the private sector.



The spokesperson said that Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab rightly emphasized that the construction industry serves as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, providing livelihoods to millions of families across the country.



The sector plays a vital role in economic activity, investment, employment generation, and urban development. Therefore, strengthening this industry is essential not only for Karachi’s progress but also for the country’s overall economic growth.



He further stated that the Government of Sindh and the KMC are jointly focusing on the development of roads, bridges, drainage systems, parks, public amenities, and modern infrastructure projects to transform Karachi into a modern, safe, organized, and progressive metropolitan city. Improving public services and enhancing the quality of life for citizens remain among the highest priorities of the present municipal leadership.



Karamullah Waqasi added that the KMC is working on modern development models for the uplift of informal settlements to provide residents with improved housing conditions and essential civic facilities. In this regard, cooperation from the ABAD and the broader private sector is of great significance. Effective partnerships between public institutions and private stakeholders can help implement sustainable development projects that contribute meaningfully to the city’s overall progress.



He further noted that traffic congestion remains Karachi’s most pressing urban challenge. To address this issue, several infrastructure and traffic management projects are currently underway. The proposal to establish modern parking plazas is also an important component of this strategy, which is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce parking-related issues, and provide greater convenience to citizens.



Welcoming the ABAD’ appreciation of KMC’s ongoing development initiatives and its assurance of full cooperation, Karamullah Waqasi said that strong collaboration between the government, municipal institutions, and the private sector is the key to Karachi’s sustainable development, modern urban infrastructure, and public prosperity.



He reiterated that under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, every available resource will be utilized to transform Karachi into a modern, well-planned, and prosperous metropolitan city equipped with world-class civic infrastructure and public facilities for all its residents.



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MD SML Sanjrani rejects report of Saindak Project closure


Quetta: Managing Director of Saindak Metals Limited, Raziq Sanjrani on Wednesday rejected as factually incorrect a report published in an international journal suggesting that the Saindak Project could face closure.



He said the Saindak Project has remained fully operational for the past 25 years and there is no possibility of its shutdown.



Sanjrani explained that the company had approached the relevant authorities to facilitate the smooth transportation of furnace oil to the project after some transporters expressed reservations and reluctance about operating on routes in some parts of Balochistan.



He added that the relevant security agencies have assured the company of the necessary support to help ensure the uninterrupted supply of furnace oil to the project.



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Japan donates 164 books to Mehran University under READ JAPAN Project


Karachi: The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi, in collaboration with the Tokyo Foundation, on Wednesday donated 164 books to the Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro, under the READ JAPAN Project to promote academic and cultural understanding of Japan.



According to a news release issued here on Wednesday, the books were formally handed over by Acting Consul General of Japan in Karachi Tamura Takahiro, on behalf of the Tokyo Foundation, during a ceremony held at the university. The donated collection comprises carefully selected English-language titles covering a wide range of subjects related to Japan.



Addressing the ceremony, Acting Consul General Tamura highlighted the importance of academic and cultural exchanges in strengthening the longstanding ties between Japan and Pakistan.



He expressed hope that the books would serve as a valuable resource not only for students and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of Japan, but also for intellectuals and opinion leaders interested in the country.



Vice Chancellor of MUET, Prof Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, recalled that the university had received pioneering equipment from Japan at the time of its establishment and had since remained associated with Japanese exchange programmes, including JENESYS and SAKURA.



He thanked the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi and the Tokyo Foundation for the second donation of books to the university and expressed the hope that cooperation between MUET and the Japanese mission would continue to grow.



The READ JAPAN Project, an initiative of the Tokyo Foundation with financial support from the Nippon Foundation, has been donating English-language books to libraries and research institutions around the world since 2008 to promote knowledge about Japan and strengthen cultural diplomacy through access to quality academic literature.



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Session highlights need for stronger Local Governments in Balochistan


Quetta: Health and Rural Development (HRD), with the support of Awaz Centre for Development Services, successfully organized the Second Consultative Session with a Multi-Stakeholder Advocacy Panel to promote dialogue on the constitutional, administrative, financial, and political autonomy of local governments in Balochistan.



The session brought together government officials, elected representatives, legal experts, media professionals, civil society organizations, and development practitioners to discuss challenges and recommendations for strengthening democratic decentralization and improving public service delivery.



The consultation began with welcoming remarks by Mr. Zia, who emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to build an effective, transparent, and accountable local government system.



He noted that empowered local governments are essential for inclusive development, responsive governance, and sustainable democratic institutions.



Following introductions, Ms. Maryam from Awaz Centre for Development Services delivered a presentation on the constitutional evolution of local governments in Pakistan, their legal framework, institutional structure, and the importance of administrative, financial, and political autonomy.



Speaking on financial autonomy, Mr. Imdad explained that local governments prepare their own budgets and development plans, while financial allocations are made through the Provincial Finance Commission.



However, he observed that local governments remain heavily dependent on provincial transfers due to limited local revenue generation, reducing their financial independence and delaying community development projects.



He stressed the need for stronger fiscal decentralization and improved local revenue mechanisms.



Addressing administrative autonomy, Mr. M. Ali highlighted the responsibility of district councils, municipal committees, and union councils in delivering essential municipal services, including water supply, sanitation, waste management, street lighting, road maintenance, and community development. He noted that although the legal framework grants administrative authority, excessive provincial control continues to limit operational independence.



Speaking on political autonomy, Ms. Mehreen Khan emphasized that elected local representatives play a vital role in strengthening democracy, public participation, and accountability.



She stated that regular local government elections are essential for effective governance but pointed out that political interference and institutional weaknesses continue to undermine local government performance.



Discussing the constitutional framework, Mr. Behram from PTV News highlighted the significance of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment, which obligates provincial governments to establish effective local government systems and devolve powers to elected institutions.



He said the Provincial Assembly has an important responsibility to ensure functional and representative local governance.



Representing the Local Government Department, Mr. M. Naser outlined the responsibilities of local governments in municipal regulation, urban planning, rural development, and coordination with provincial departments.



He also emphasized that reserved seats for women, youth, and minorities strengthen inclusive governance and democratic participation.



Presenting a critical perspective, Mr. Inayat highlighted governance and accountability challenges, including corruption, weak oversight, poor financial management, political patronage, and lack of transparency in development projects.



He called for stronger accountability mechanisms, independent oversight, and greater citizen participation to restore public confidence in local institutions.



Concluding the session, Mr. Zia thanked all speakers, participants, partner organizations, and stakeholders for their valuable contributions.



He reaffirmed HRD’s commitment to promoting evidence-based advocacy, inclusive policy dialogue, and continued collaboration to strengthen local governance and democratic decentralization across Balochistan.



The session concluded with a vote of thanks and a shared commitment to advancing stronger, more responsive, and accountable local government institutions.



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France celebrates Bastille Day in Karachi


Karachi: The French National Day celebrations were held at the Consulate General of France in Karachi which was attended by Sindh Governor Syed Nehal Hashmi and the Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah as special guests, while distinguished guests and officials joined in commemorating the 237th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.



Addressing the ceremony, the Consul General of France Alexis Chahtahtinsky highlighted France’s historic role as one of the first countries to recognize Pakistan’s independence in 1947. He emphasized a shared commitment to global peace, noting recent diplomatic synergy between French and Pakistani leadership in stabilizing international conflicts.



The evening served as a showcase for the vibrant economic collaboration between France and Pakistan. The Consul General also mentioned some key industrial initiatives undertaken by the French entities in Karachi, including CMA-CGM, Louis Dreyfuss Company, Schneirder Electric and L Oreal.



In a reflective moment, the Consul General announced that, following four years of his tenure, the French government has decided to close the Consulate General in Karachi for budgetary reasons.



However, he reassured the community that the French presence is not departing, but rather evolving.



He said the Pakistan France Business Alliance (PFBA) to continue fostering trade and investment. The Alliance Fran§aise de Karachi, which will remain a cornerstone for cultural and educational engagement.



The French government officially announced the closure of its diplomatic mission in Karachi on July 15, 2026 for budgetary reasons. While the physical consulate operations are shutting down, France will maintain its presence and deepening ties with the city through a newly appointed Honorary Consul General, the Pakistan France Business Alliance (PFBA), and the Alliance Fran§aise cultural center.



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ETO Excise Mir Jan vows to improve tax system of vehicles in Balochistan


Quetta: Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) Excise Quetta Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Notizai on Wednesday said that the Excise and Taxation Department is taking practical steps to make the tax system more effective, transparent and people-friendly as per the instructions of the Balochistan government.



He said that the main objective of the department is to increase government revenues, provide better facilities to taxpayers and ensure effective implementation of laws.



He expressed these views while talking to APP’s official on matters related to excise.



Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Notizai said that the Excise Department is developing motor vehicle registration, token tax, vehicle transfer, property tax and other related services on modern lines so that citizens could get timely and quality facilities.



He said that the public should fulfill their national responsibility by depositing their taxes and other dues on time, because these revenues strengthen public welfare and development projects.



He said that actions are underway against unregistered vehicles, tax defaulters and those who violate the laws and no one would be discriminated against in this regard.



He clarified that compliance with the law is the responsibility of every citizen and the Excise Department would continue to fulfill its responsibilities according to the law.



The ETO further said that the Excise Department is introducing a modern and transparent system for the convenience of the public, while special attention is being paid to eliminating corruption, promoting merit and prompt redressal of public grievances.



He appealed to the citizens to provide information regarding any illegal activity, tax evasion or forged documents to the Excise Department so that timely action could be taken as per the law.



He reiterated the resolve that the Excise Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities with full integrity for providing better services to the people of Balochistan, increasing revenue and upholding the rule of law.