Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with senior officials, conducted a comprehensive visit to the Jinnah Avenue Interchange project to review the ongoing construction activities on Wednesday.

The visit included an inspection of the under-construction flyover bridge, road infrastructure, and other related developments aimed at easing traffic congestion in the federal capital.

During the visit, Chairman Randhawa inspected various aspects of the project, including horticulture work, the installation of electric poles, and the placement of the Pakistani flag.

He was briefed by the project officers, who confirmed that construction activities across all sections of the project are progressing rapidly and in line with the scheduled timeline. The team highlighted that work is being carried out round-the-clock to ensure timely completion.

The Chairman was informed that asphalt work on the roads surrounding the Jinnah Avenue Interchange is advancing swiftly. Additionally, the construction of a protected U-turn on 9th Avenue, adjacent to the project, is also moving ahead at a rapid pace.

The F-8 intersection, a critical part of the project, is seeing robust progress on all four sides, with road infrastructure development in full swing.

The briefing also covered the construction of a protected U-turn at the F-10 Roundabout and the adjacent F-10 road. Officials assured the Chairman that the F-10 Roundabout project is nearing completion and will be opened for traffic by the end of this month.

Chairman Randhawa emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and beautification around the project area.

He directed officials to expedite landscaping and horticultural works to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the interchange and its surroundings. He also stressed the need for consultants and resident engineers to ensure the highest quality of construction while adhering to the project timeline.

In his remarks, Chairman Randhawa stated, 'The timely completion of this project is crucial to resolving the long-standing traffic issues in the city. It will provide citizens with signal-free travel facilities, significantly improving their daily commute.'

He reiterated the CDA's commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that meet international standards and cater to the needs of Islamabad's growing population.

The Jinnah Avenue Interchange project is a key component of the CDA's efforts to modernize Islamabad's road network and address traffic congestion. Once completed, it is expected to streamline traffic flow, reduce travel time, and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.

The CDA team assured the Chairman that all efforts are being made to ensure the project is completed on schedule, with a focus on quality and sustainability.

The completion of the Jinnah Avenue Interchange is anticipated to mark a significant milestone in Islamabad's infrastructure development, paving the way for a more connected and efficient city.

Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif made a resolute declaration on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirming Pakistan's unshakeable commitment to the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination, a cause that resonates deeply in the hearts of Pakistanis nationwide.

In his televised message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, Asif stressed that India's refusal to cooperate has delayed the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, which affirm the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite.

Asif called on the international community to uphold its commitments to the Kashmiri people and urged India to reverse its unilateral actions taken since August 5, 2019, which have led to human rights abuses and demographic changes in the region.

Pakistan remains committed to standing with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters until they achieve their right to self-determination, Asif emphasized.

Khawaja Asif stressed that the Kashmir dispute holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis, who will continue to support their Kashmiri brothers and sisters until they attain their right to self-determination.

He urged the international community to fulfill its commitments to the Kashmiri people, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

Islamabad: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, extending his condolences to his family and the Ismaili Muslim community.

"I am saddened to hear about the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan and extend my condolences to his family and the greater Ismaili Muslim community," the minister said.

Khawaja Asif highlighted Prince Karim's remarkable contributions, stating that his leadership ushered in an era of progress not only for Ismaili Muslims but for humanity at large. He noted that Pakistan's heritage and education sector owes a great deal to his activism.

He also acknowledged Prince Karim's family legacy, recalling that his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan, was a founding leader of the All-India Muslim League and played a key role in the creation of Pakistan.

Khawaja Asif said, "I was fortunate to witness his first official visit to Pakistan in 1957 as a young boy in Sialkot. Then, two years ago, during another visit, I had the privilege and honor of serving as the minister-in-waiting for him."

He fondly recalled Prince Karim's first tour over six decades ago, describing it as a cherished memory.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday reiterated the pledge that Pakistan would continue moral, political, and diplomatic support to the oppressed Kashmiris.

In a special speech televised by PTV on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, he strongly condemned the atrocities being committed against the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The unprecedented sacrifices of the brave Kashmiri men, women, and children will never go in vain as the blood of Kashmiris was sacred blood.

"The Kashmiri people are continuing their struggle for their fundamental rights," he said adding that they should be given the right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.

The minister said that ongoing atrocities being committed against the Kashmiri people should end immediately.

The people of Pakistan stand with the Kashmiri brothers, and will always continue to support them, he remarked.

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said in his message on Kashmir Solidarity Day that every Pakistani stand with the Kashmiri people, and the Pakistani nation expresses complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Interior Minister said that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein, and Pakistan supports the legitimate rights of its Kashmiri brothers on every forum. He stated that India's illegal occupation is a hindrance to the freedom of the Kashmiri people.

Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan wants a solution to the Kashmir issue through the United Nations, and the Pakistani government and people will continue to provide political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. He further said that Pakistan will always be part of their struggle by becoming their voice.

The Interior Minister emphasized that the Kashmiris have the right to decide their own future. He stressed that the Kashmir issue is not only a problem for the Kashmiris but for the entire region, and without resolving the Kashmir dispute, the dream of sustainable peace in the region cannot become a reality.

Islamabad: Renowned music director M Ashraf was remembered on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Thursday. Born on February 1, 1942, he got music lessons from his maternal grandfather who also happened to be uncle of veteran Pakistani music director Master Inayat Hussain.

He started his film career in 1959 with famous song in film Savera 'Tu jo nahin hay tau kuchh bhi nahin hay' which was sung by playback singer SB John. He produced music for a number of hit songs of 60s and 70s which won ap­preciation in the whole subcontinent.

Famous singers like Ahmed Rushdi, Shaukat Ali, Masood Rana, Alamgir, Muham­mad Ali Shehki, Naheed Akhtar and Nayyara Noor, the legendary singers were introduced by him in the music industry.

He continued his successful march in the 1980s despite the down­fall of Urdu films and a dominance of Punjabi films. M Ashraf's musical jour­ney ended with Tere Bin Jiya Na Jaye in 2005.

During his career, M Ashraf won the Nigar Award for 'Best Music' in 6 different films including Gharana (1973), Mera Naam Hai Mohabbat (1975), Shabana (1976), Qurbani (1981), Punjabi-language films Dhee Rani (1985) and Qismet (1986).

By the end of his 45 years long career, he had composed more than 2,000 film songs for over 400 films. M Ashraf also won 14 Graduate Awards of the Pakistan film industry.

He died of a cardiac ar­rest on February 4, 2007 in Karachi at the age of 65.