Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Abbasi puts railways on high alert amid flood threat to ensure safe train operations


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday placed the Ministry of Railways on high alert to ensure the safety of passengers, protection of railway tracks and uninterrupted train operations amid the prevailing flood situation across parts of the country.



The minister also cancelled the weekly holidays of railway officers and staff and directed all officials to remain on duty until further notice to effectively respond to any emergency, said a news release.



Hanif Abbasi instructed senior railway officers to remain present in the field, while emergency measures were enforced at all field offices to closely monitor the situation and ensure an immediate response to any damage caused by heavy rains or flooding.



He warned that he would personally supervise the performance of officers and directed strict action against officials found negligent in addressing public complaints or carrying out their responsibilities.



The minister directed all Divisional Superintendents (DSs) to personally oversee repair, restoration and maintenance work in flood-affected areas to ensure the earliest possible resumption of rail services.



He further ordered Pakistan Railways’ control rooms to remain operational round the clock for continuous monitoring of the situation, adding that he would conduct surprise inspections to review the implementation of emergency directives.



Hanif Abbasi urged railway officials to demonstrate exceptional dedication in serving the public during the emergency, saying efficient officers would be appreciated while those showing negligence would face disciplinary action.



He said the safety and convenience of passengers, along with the full restoration of train operations, would remain the ministry’s top priority.



The minister also directed the railway administration to utilise all available resources and technical capabilities for the rehabilitation of flood-affected railway infrastructure and the restoration of train services at the earliest.



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BRA reviews tax compliance and revenue situation of Quetta Serena Hotel


Quetta: Under the vision of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the guidance of Minister of Finance Mir Shoaib Noshirwani and the instructions of Chairman Balochistan Revenue Authority, a team of Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) on Saturday visited Quetta Serena Hotel where the tax compliance and revenue situation was reviewed



During the visit, a detailed meeting was held with the hotel management, in which the reasons for the reported shortfall in tax payments were discussed.



The team also reviewed the relevant records and directed to ensure timely return filing, accurate tax reporting and payment of due tax under the Balochistan Sales Tax on Services Act, 2015



The Balochistan Revenue Authority reiterated its commitment that such review and compliance visits would continue in the future to promote transparency, effective implementation of tax laws, taxpayer facilitation and a fair tax system.



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CDA eases parking requirement for high-rise commercial buildings in Islamabad


Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reduced the mandatory parking requirement for high-rise commercial buildings, allowing one parking space for every 1, 000 square feet of covered area instead of the previous standard of one space per 750 square feet.



The decision was approved at the 10th CDA Board meeting of 2026, chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf at the CDA headquarters on Saturday.



According to the authority, the revised regulation brings Islamabad’s parking standards in line with those followed by regulatory bodies in other cities and is aimed at facilitating commercial construction and investment.



The board was informed that the previous requirement had posed challenges for builders and developers, who in some cases were required to excavate up to six basement levels to meet parking requirements, creating structural and safety concerns.



The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the business community, builders and developers, had repeatedly sought a revision of the rule.



The new parking standard takes immediate effect and will also apply to commercial plots to be offered in the CDA’s open auction scheduled for Aug 4-6, as well as future commercial plot auctions.



The authority said the auction terms and conditions would be amended accordingly. The CDA said the revised policy would simplify the approval of commercial building plans and help boost construction activity in the federal capital.



Chairman Sohail Ashraf said the authority would continue introducing facilitative measures to promote planned urban development, investment and construction in Islamabad.



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Commissioner reviews RDA projects, orders immediate finalisation of 2026-27 budget


Rawalpindi: Commissioner Rawalpindi Division and Director General of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Salman Ghani, on Saturday reviewed the progress of ongoing and proposed development projects and directed officials to immediately finalise the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2026-27.



Chairing a high-level meeting at the RDA headquarters, the commissioner reviewed the status of various development schemes being executed by the Authority and stressed the need to complete all ongoing projects within the approved timelines while ensuring quality, transparency and compliance with relevant standards.



The meeting was attended by Additional Director General RDA, Chief Planner Muhammad Tahir Meo, Director Administration Nosheen Israr, Director Finance Masood Arshad, Director Engineering Komal Chaudhry, Director Land Ghazanfar Ali Awan, Director Land Use and Building Control Iftikhar Ali, and other senior officers.



The participants also reviewed the planning and implementation strategy for upcoming development projects to improve urban infrastructure and public facilities in Rawalpindi.



Reviewing the Authority’s financial affairs, Salman Ghani directed the Director Finance and other concerned directors to finalise the RDA budget for 2026-27 without delay.



The commissioner directed all concerned officers to maintain close coordination to expedite the budget preparation process so that development activities and public service delivery could continue without interruption.



Reiterating the Authority’s commitment to planned urban development, he said RDA would continue to focus on improving civic infrastructure and ensuring the effective execution of development projects in the public interest.



He emphasised that regular monitoring, prompt decision-making and strict adherence to administrative and financial rules were essential to achieving the Authority’s development objectives and delivering transparent, accountable and efficient public services.



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Chiniot DC inspects low-lying areas, orders swift rainwater drainage


Chiniot: Deputy Commissioner Ayesha Rizwan on Saturday inspected low-lying areas of Chiniot city to review rainwater drainage operations and directed authorities to ensure prompt disposal of accumulated water throughout the ongoing monsoon season.



During the visit, the deputy commissioner assessed the performance of WASA officers, field staff and operational machinery, reviewing the effectiveness of drainage efforts in vulnerable areas. She instructed officials to keep all machinery fully operational and maintain a continuous field presence to monitor and expedite drainage activities.



Ayesha Rizwan stressed that no area should be allowed to remain waterlogged and directed officials to take immediate action wherever rainwater accumulates. She emphasized that uninterrupted drainage operations were essential to minimize inconvenience to residents during periods of heavy rainfall.



The deputy commissioner warned that negligence or delays in carrying out drainage duties would not be tolerated and said strict departmental action would be taken against any officer or official found responsible for lapses in the performance of their responsibilities.



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Governor launches Independence celebrations by planting a sapling at Governor House


Karachi: The Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has officially inaugurated a 14-day Independence Day 2026 celebrations by planting a sapling as part of a tree plantation campaign at the Governor House here on Saturday.



The central theme of the Independence Day 2026 celebrations has been set as “Long Live Pakistan Forever. ”



Briefing the media persons regarding the celebrations, the Governor said that “Long Live Pakistan Forever” conveys the message of national unity, patriotism and the security and stability of the country.



The entire nation stands united with its armed forces, state institutions and national interests. Hashmi said that August is the month of celebration, independence and national unity.



Launching the Independence Day celebrations with a tree plantation campaign reflects environmental responsibility and national duty, he said.



The Governor said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly encouraged tree plantation and trees are an assets for the future generations.



He said that tree plantation must become a national responsibility to address the challenges of climate change. A modern urban forest is being established at the Governor House, Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said adding that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Sindh chapter and members of civil society will help promote the message of tree plantation and afforestation.



Briefing about the schedule of Independence Day events, vhe said that on August 3 Laptops will be distributed to outstanding students. On August 6 a special educational program on the Pakistan Movement and the struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah will be held for students.



Students will also visit the Quaid-e-Azam House and watch a documentary on the Pakistan Movement.



A grand mushaira (poetry recital) on the themes of the freedom movement and patriotism will be organized on August 8 and on August 10 aspecial program for female students highlighting the services of Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah will be held.



He informed that a National Minorities Day will be observed on August 11 and on August 12 Speech and debate competitions will be organized to mark Youth Day.



On the evening of August 13 the main Independence Day ceremony will be held at the Governor House, he said adding that national flag-hoisting ceremonies will take place at the Governor House, Mazar-e-Quaid and other locations on August 14.



The Governor further said that the Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam is stronger and more stable than ever before.



Hashmi said that Pakistan will never compromise on its freedom, sovereignty and national dignity. He said that Pakistan will promote the message of peace, mutual respect and ‘Live and Let Live’ to the world.



He said that during the recent Indian aggression, Pakistan’s armed forces successfully thwarted the enemy’s designs.



Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has played an effective role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region, he added.