Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Work begins on 80 schemes of Lahore Development Project

Lahore: Work has been started on 80 out of 115 schemes worth Rs.59 billion of the Lahore Development Project (LDP).

Out of the six zones, Data Zone and Nishtar Zone are at the top in starting work. Furthermore, work has been started on 967 dilapidated streets of Data Ganj Bakhsh Zone at a cost of Rs3.7 billion.

LDP document reveals that the work will be completed by 23 contractor firms in Data Ganj Bakhsh Zone. Work has also been started on 2397 streets of Nishtar Zone at a huge cost of Rs.12 billion.

Likewise, work has started for 40 schemes of Nishtar Zone, while these development works have been started through digitalized e-tendering.

According to the document, upgradation of tuff tiles, PCC, drainage, sewage system, water supply and street light schemes have also been started on 29 schemes of Ravi Zone.

Similarly, work has started on 13 schemes in Shalamar Zone at a cost of Rs.2.21 billion, while Rs.746.4 million have been allocated for five schemes in Gulberg zone, and Rs.845.5 million for four schemes in Samanabad Zone.

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World must fulfill its promises to Kashmiri people in IIOJK: Bilawal

Karachi: The Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his message on Kashmiris' Right to Self-Determination Day, highlighted the suffering of the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and said it is not just a regional issue but a grave test of humanity's conscience.

He voiced deep disappointment at the global community's persistent silence over the relentless atrocities faced by the Kashmiri people.

Bilawal emphasized that the world community must fulfill its promises to the Kashmiri people in IIOJK and ensure the realization of their inalienable rights. He reiterated that the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in international law and promised to the people of Kashmir through United Nations resolutions.

The PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid tribute to the unyielding resolve of the people of occupied Kashmir, who have steadfastly endured decades of oppression while standing firm in their demand for dignity, justice, and freedom. 'Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our resilient Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have faced relentless Indian oppression. Your sacrifices will not go in vain. The Pakistan Peoples Party has always been at the forefront of defending the Kashmir cause and will continue to raise its voice for your rights on every platform,' he asserted.

He reaffirmed his commitment to extending unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support to the oppressed people of occupied Kashmir until their freedom is achieved. "On this day, we renew our pledge to amplify your voice with greater resolve and defend your cause. Together, we will ensure that the dream of a peaceful, free Kashmir, liberated from Indian occupation, becomes a reality."

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‘Balochistan Summit to boost investment, industrial growth’

Lahore: Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Standing Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, said that the forthcoming 2-day "Balochistan Summit" will yield positive impact and attracting foreign and local investors in diversified industries and sectors.

Speaking to a delegation of traders led by Chaudhary Zahid Iqbal Arain from Vehari, here on Sunday, Shahid Imran emphasized that with the judicious policies and collaborative initiatives, Balochistan has the potential to become a hub for international trade and economic growth, benefiting the entire country.

Shahid Imran highlighted Balochistan's abundant natural resources and strategic location, which offer immense opportunities for business, investment, and industrialization on a global scale. He stressed that the province requires special attention to unlock its economic potential and foster sustainable growth. He noted that the collaborative efforts of Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, and the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) will be crucial in driving this transformation.

The focus, he said, will be on promoting joint ventures and international partnerships to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourage technology transfer. He emphasized that the two-day summit, scheduled for January 27, will provide an important platform for investor networking and position Balochistan as a lucrative destination for global enterprises.

He further pointed out that Balochistan offers significant opportunities in sectors such as mining, energy, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has further bolstered the province's strategic importance as a trade and connectivity gateway. He called for a business-friendly environment, addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing security, and streamlining regulatory frameworks to fully capitalize on these opportunities.

He underscored that industrialization efforts should focus on value-added industries, which will create jobs, benefit local communities, and ensure inclusive development.

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WASA recovered record revenue of Rs342m in December


Faisalabad: Revenue Directorates of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) recovered record revenue of Rs.342 million during December 2024.



Managing Director WASA Aamer Aziz said in a statement here on Sunday that during November 2024, WASA teams had recovered Rs.340 million while the revenue recovery in December surpassed the previous record by Rs.2 million. He appreciated the performance of WASA recovery teams who performed their duties efficiently under supervision of Deputy Managing Director (Admin) Shoaib Rasheed, Revenue Directors Muhammad Iqbal Malik and Shehryar Hassan.



He said that constant efforts of WASA teams during last several months had led to substantial improvements in revenue collection which would help reduce WASA deficit gradually. If this strategy continued, WASA was expected to achieve a stable financial position by the next fiscal year, he added.



He said that Revenue Directorates were specifically directed to enhance revenue recovery. Hence, Directors Revenue East Shehryar Hassan and Revenue West Muhammad Iqbal Malik implemented the directives with special focus on motivating field staff to ensure daily collections from defaulters. Their efforts culminated in the historic recovery during December, he added.



He urged WASA customers to pay dues and monthly bills immediately so that it could enhance quality of water supply and sanitation services.



He also warned that non-payment of dues and monthly bills could lead to the detachment of services. Hence, the consumers should avoid inconvenience by ensuring timely bill payments, he added.



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Irfan Siddiqui urge PTI to show seriousness in talks

Islamabad: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the government's coalition dialogue committee, has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to show seriousness in ongoing talks.

Talking to a private news channel on Sunday, Siddiqui said PTI's frequent changes in statements risk derailing the dialogue process.

He called on the PTI to submit a written charter of demands, as agreed in the communiqu© from previous meetings, to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.

He emphasized that the government is engaging in the talks openly and urged PTI to refrain from making contradictory remarks.

Siddiqui also stated that the dialogue is separate from legal proceedings and should not be influenced by court decisions.

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Murtaza Wahab terms individuals rendered services to Karachi as asset

Karachi: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday said that individuals who have rendered services to the city are our asset. The martyrs from the city wardens and fire brigades, who sacrificed their lives to protect the lives and property of citizens, are our pride. The purpose of awarding them the Tamgha-e-Karachi is to pay tribute to their services.

He expressed these views while addressing the ceremony where citizens who rendered services to Karachi were awarded the Tamgha-e-Karachi.

The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jumman Darwan, Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, elected representatives, and departmental heads and officers of KMC.

Murtaza Wahab said that the hero of today's ceremony is not me, but those who made sacrifices. He added that the decision to honor the personalities and martyrs who served Karachi was made by the members of the City Council, and today, the first event was organized by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.

This event would be held every year on January 5th to acknowledge the contributions of those who have played a role in making this city greater, Mayor said.

He said that development projects were underway in all seven districts of Karachi, and 2025 will be the year of Karachi's development.

Later on, Mayor Karachi presented the Tamgha-e-Karachi to distinguished personalities and martyrs of Karachi.