Signal-free corridor takes shape in Pindi
Nawaz Sharif Flyover from Khawaja Corporation on Adiala Road, along with two underpasses on Mall Road and an underground pedestrian walkway, has entered its final phase of completion. These projects are expected to be inaugurated later this month.
Additionally, the construction of a flyover and underpasses at the busy Kachehri Chowk, as well as underpasses at Qasim Market, Race Course, and Charing Cross, is expected to commence soon — likely during the ongoing summer vacation period of educational institutions, in order to expedite completion.
Having been constructed at a cost of Rs2.3 billion, Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road is in its final stage. Although the project could not be inaugurated on June 3 as initially planned, it is now expected to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on June 30.
On the same day, she is also likely to inaugurate two underpasses on Mall Road — at Flashman Hotel Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk — as well as the underground pedestrian walkway near AFIC. This project is expected to be completed by June 30 as well, with a total cost of Rs4.388b.
Meanwhile, a decision has been made to construct additional underpasses at three of the busiest intersections on Mall Road and Peshawar Road: Qasim Market, Race Course Chowk, and Charing Cross.
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has been instructed to relocate underground utilities — electricity, gas, water supply, and sewerage — from these locations to facilitate construction.
Moreover, a major project involving the remodelling and expansion of Kachehri Chowk has been approved.
This project includes the construction of two flyovers and three underpasses, with an estimated cost of Rs8.5b. The Punjab government has already allocated funds for this project.
Sources say following the completion of the two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehri Chowk, and with the construction of five underpasses on Mall Road and Peshawar Road, this entire route will effectively become a signal-free corridor up to Motorway Chowk.
It is worth noting that an underpass at Golra Mor has already been completed and is operational. The Punjab government is funding all these infrastructure projects, which are being executed by the provincial Communications and Works (C&W) Department.
Schools get operational boost
The Punjab Education Department has released an amount of Rs464.5 million for the operational expenses of all public schools in the Rawalpindi Division.
An amount of Rs4.58715 billion has been released for the fourth and final quarter of the outgoing fiscal year to cover operational expenses and utility bills for all 43,000 public primary, middle, high, and higher secondary schools across the province.
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Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Signal-free corridor takes shape in Pindi
Nawaz Sharif Flyover from Khawaja Corporation on Adiala Road, along with two underpasses on Mall Road and an underground pedestrian walkway, has entered its final phase of completion. These projects are expected to be inaugurated later this month. Additionally, the construction of a flyover and underpasses at the busy Kachehri Chowk, as well as underpasses at Qasim Market, Race Course, and Charing Cross, is expected to commence soon — likely during the ongoing summer vacation period of educational institutions, in order to expedite completion. Having been constructed at a cost of Rs2.3 billion, Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road is in its final stage. Although the project could not be inaugurated on June 3 as initially planned, it is now expected to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on June 30. On the same day, she is also likely to inaugurate two underpasses on Mall Road — at Flashman Hotel Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk — as well as the underground pedestrian walkway near AFIC. This project is expected to be completed by June 30 as well, with a total cost of Rs4.388b. Meanwhile, a decision has been made to construct additional underpasses at three of the busiest intersections on Mall Road and Peshawar Road: Qasim Market, Race Course Chowk, and Charing Cross. The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has been instructed to relocate underground utilities — electricity, gas, water supply, and sewerage — from these locations to facilitate construction. Moreover, a major project involving the remodelling and expansion of Kachehri Chowk has been approved. This project includes the construction of two flyovers and three underpasses, with an estimated cost of Rs8.5b. The Punjab government has already allocated funds for this project. Sources say following the completion of the two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehri Chowk, and with the construction of five underpasses on Mall Road and Peshawar Road, this entire route will effectively become a signal-free corridor up to Motorway Chowk. It is worth noting that an underpass at Golra Mor has already been completed and is operational. The Punjab government is funding all these infrastructure projects, which are being executed by the provincial Communications and Works (C&W) Department. Schools get operational boost The Punjab Education Department has released an amount of Rs464.5 million for the operational expenses of all public schools in the Rawalpindi Division. An amount of Rs4.58715 billion has been released for the fourth and final quarter of the outgoing fiscal year to cover operational expenses and utility bills for all 43,000 public primary, middle, high, and higher secondary schools across the province.
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a day ago
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‘Nation applauds Field Marshal's meeting with Trump': minister
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is launching modern air ambulances to serve the people of Punjab, the KP government, by contrast, has merely introduced rickshaws — a clear reflection of the priorities of the two administrations. Commenting on the recent meeting between Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump, she said the encounter has rattled Modi's government and the 'Fitna' group, but brought pride and joy to the people of Pakistan. She added that world leaders are accorded respect on the global stage based on their national contributions, integrity, and service — as was clearly demonstrated by the warm reception given to Field Marshal Asim Munir in the United States. Speaking on Punjab's rapid development, Azma Bokhari noted that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's leadership, the province is experiencing an unprecedented era of progress. As part of recent initiatives, 911 vehicles have been inducted into the 'Clinic on Wheels' fleet to ensure timely medical assistance for the public, she said. Highlighting the provincial budget 2025-26, Bokhari said it is a balanced, tax-free, and people-friendly financial plan that truly reflects a commitment to public welfare. She emphasized that the budget not only offers relief to salaried individuals but also lays the foundation for strengthening the economy by expanding the tax net. Efforts are underway to bring non-filers into the tax system, aiming to promote transparency and accountability. While addressing a joint press conference at DGPR alongside Provincial Minister for Labour and Sports, Malik Faisal Ayub, the minister information further stated that the Punjab government is making substantial investments in education, healthcare, sanitation, and transport. Under the 'Clean Punjab' campaign, exemplary cleanliness arrangements were made during Eid-ul-Azha, and soon, 1,100 eco-friendly buses will be operational across the province. Azma Bokhari praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's vision, noting that she considers every public rupee a sacred trust and is steering Punjab toward sustainable growth through transparent governance. Concluding the press conference, Bokhari reiterated the government's resolve to continue working for the development and welfare of every segment of society. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday witnessed the third consecutive day of vigorous debate on the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, with opposition members sharply criticising the PPP-led government's performance while praising the fiscal direction taken by Punjab under Maryam Nawaz. A total of 29 lawmakers contributed to the debate, bringing the cumulative number of speakers over the last three days to 84. More members are expected to participate in the debate on Thursday. The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed. While treasury benches hailed the budget as development-oriented and people-centric, opposition members lambasted it as disconnected from public realities—particularly in urban Sindh. Opening the day's speeches, Provincial Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah outlined achievements under his portfolio, including initiatives to develop Gorakh Hill into a family-friendly tourist spot and efforts to digitize Bhitaipedia and the Sindhi language. He proposed setting up a residential colony for writers and poets. Noting budgetary restrictions, he lamented that the tourism department is barred from purchasing vehicles, whereas other countries levy fewer duties on such imports. The Gorakh Hill Authority, he said, receives an annual allocation of Rs250 million. MQM's Farhan Ansari voiced deep frustration over the budget's failure to address Karachi's needs. 'There is no electricity or water in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Only hydrants are functional,' he said, accusing the government of ignoring basic urban infrastructure while breaking promises of road carpeting and streetlights. PTI's Sajjad Ali Soomro sharply criticised Sindh's education record. 'Six million children remain out of school despite PPP spending Rs2 trillion on education. Farmers are committing suicide while ministers grow richer,' he added, also highlighting the lawlessness in riverine areas. MQM's Abdul Basit criticised the government for failing to implement the senior citizen card program. 'Even if this budget were in dollars, it wouldn't change Sindh's condition,' he quipped. PPP's Qasim Siraj Soomro countered opposition criticism by asserting that the budget reflects genuine efforts to uplift the province. He lauded the PPP's performance for its growing political strength and cited improvements in Nagarparkar schools and 56 dams in Thar; though he admitted many RO plants remain in disrepair. MPA Adil Altaf Unar expressed gratitude for road projects in his constituency and praised party leadership for a balanced fiscal strategy. PPP's Liaquat Ali Askani congratulated Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the finance team, revealing that nine major schemes have been earmarked for Karachi. He stressed the need for setting up a trauma centre in Baldia Town. Minister for Social Welfare Tarique Ali Talpur highlighted ongoing collaboration with NGOs like HANDS and Oxfam on senior citizen initiatives and urged the federal government to withdraw the 18% tax on solar panels. Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi, Minister for Auqaf and Zakat, reported that 122,000 beneficiaries had been registered under the Zakat program, with funds to be managed via Islamic banks. He also announced new schemes for the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. PPP's Malik Sikander Khan said 52 primary schools in Thana Bula Khan remain closed due to a shortage of teachers. He generously offered 20 acres of personal land for a playground and called for water supply schemes in the region. MQM's Qurat Ul Ain Khan called the budget anti-people and accused the government of marginalising her party. 'Landhi Medical College is in the budget books every year but never built. Load-shedding and inflation are choking Karachi,' she said. Muhammad Usman of MQM criticised the inequitable tax distribution. 'For tax collection, Karachi is part of Sindh, but when it comes to basic needs like water, we're told to ask the federal government,' he remarked, going as far as to suggest handing Karachi over to the Centre. Arsalan Perwaiz said his constituency PS-98 lacks potable water, roads, and ambulances. He alleged corruption in housing societies and bemoaned zero allocation for his area in the budget. PTI's Sajid Hussain focused on Karachi's chronic problems. 'There's been no clean drinking water for 20 years, drugs are sold openly, and children are out of school. The Landhi Medical Hospital has no electricity. This is a criminal negligence,' he said. MQM's Muhammad Aamir Siddiqui said most of the Rs20 billion worth of schemes benefit Malir, ignoring areas like Johar, PIB, and Central. He criticised low funding for the Red Line BRT. MQM's Muhammad Maaz Mehboob hailed Punjab's development and questioned whether Karachi youth would need to migrate there to build skills. 'Even the IT budget here is less than the forest department's,' he lamented. 'No wonder people say Sindh needs a CM like Maryam Nawaz.' Kiran Masood of MQM paid tribute to former leaders and accused the PPP of arresting female MQM workers. 'You have your mayor— ask him to perform. Red Line BRT and Pink Taxi won't matter without roads,' she said, demanding power devolution to the districts. MQM's Sikandar Khatoon pointed to the lack of public transport in Shah Faisal. 'Only one bus route, People's Bus R-2, serves the area. That's not enough,' she said. PTI's Bilal Hussain Khan Jadoon accused local bodies of corruption and noted that despite his constituency paying high taxes, it still lacks basic utilities like gas and water. PPP's Abdul Razaq Raja sparked uproar from opposition benches but lightened the atmosphere by reciting a poem in Sindhi at the Chief Minister's request. PPP's Rana Hamir Singh expressed gratitude for a Rs50 million project in his constituency while also flagging other local issues. PPP's Muhammad Yousuf called for turning the boys' college in Konkar into a girls' college in the evening shift due to the lack of a dedicated girls' college in Gadap. PPP's Bahadur Khan Dahri opened with a poem that irked PTI lawmakers, though Minister Sharjeel Memon quickly defused the tension. As the debate concluded, the session was adjourned until 10 am on Thursday, with more fiery speeches expected as budget deliberations continue. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
