PM Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates Jinnah Square Murree Road Underpass
Listen to article
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated on Friday the newly constructed Jinnah Square Murree Road Underpass, a project completed in 35 days.
The underpass, which spans approximately 479 metres and features three traffic lanes, is part of a broader initiative to create a signal-free corridor from Islamabad Airport to Murree, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and reducing travel time for commuters.
During the inauguration ceremony, PM Sharif commended Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and his team, including Chairperson Capital Development Authority (CDA) Muhammad Ali Randhawa and IG Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, for their efforts in completing the project swiftly. He described the initiative as nationally beneficial, ensuring smooth connectivity to the scenic tourist destination of Murree.
'It has been due to the unity and harmony of the nation and the blessings of Almighty Allah. Moreover, the meritorious history of the nation will be remembered by the enemy forever,' the prime minister said.
Apart from the underpass, the project includes a road network and landscaping.
PM Sharif noted that the nearly 9-kilometre-long connectivity route would not only benefit the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad but also the entire nation through its enhanced connectivity heading towards Murree.
Earlier, Interior Minister Naqvi briefed PM Sharif on the project's progress and future plans, including the design work for the Shaheen Chowk Underpass and upcoming tourism projects such as a Safari Park and Chairlift in the Murree region.
The event was attended by Federal Ministers Hanif Abbasi, Dr Tariq Fazl Chaudhary, Ministers of State Talal Chaudhary and Talha Burki, and other parliamentarians.
Moreover, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also inaugurated the Nawaz Sharif Flyover in Sargodha. Provincial Minister Sohaib Ahmed Bharth informed her that the project had been completed in eight months at a cost of Rs2.2 billion. More than 30,000 vehicles are expected to use the 1.3km-long flyover daily.
People travelling to Sargodha from Khushab, Mianwali and Bhakkar will benefit from the project.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings in calls with leaders of various countries
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with key Muslim world leaders on the occasion of Eidul Azha, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, unity within the Muslim Ummah, and enhanced bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim {@anwaribrahim }, and the two leaders exchanged greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister conveyed his… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a call with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday, both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and underscored the importance of deepening bilateral ties in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Malaysia's 'balanced stance' during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. 'Pakistan had no option but to respond swiftly and decisively to India's aggression,' PM Shehbaz said, while adding that Islamabad accepted a US-brokered ceasefire understanding in the interest of regional peace. He reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including India Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, and congratulated the President and the brotherly people of 🇹🇯 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime Minister thanked President… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 In a separate call, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also received Eid greetings from Prime Minister Sharif, who thanked Tajikistan for advocating peace during heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. President Rahmon lauded Islamabad's efforts for regional stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz } had a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani {@TamimBinHamad }, Amir of the State of 🇶🇦 Qatar, and extended warm greetings to the Amir and the brotherly people of Qatar on the blessed occasion… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Premier Shehbaz also spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Shehbaz thanked Doha for its 'constructive role' in helping de-escalate the recent crisis between Pakistan and India. Both leaders reaffirmed their intention to strengthen economic cooperation. 'The two countries will continue to explore avenues for mutually beneficial trade and investment,' a government statement said. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and extended warm greetings to the President, his family, and the brotherly people of 🇦🇿 on the blessed occasion of Eid ul #Adha. The Prime… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Prime Minister Sharif further connected with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, offering Eid greetings and thanking him for the hospitality shown during his recent visit to Lachin for Azerbaijan's Independence Day and the trilateral summit with Turkey. The leaders reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation in upcoming engagements, including the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan and President Aliyev's scheduled visit to Islamabad later this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eidul Azha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait. During the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Kuwait's balanced and constructive stance in support of peace and dialogue amid the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. He reaffirmed Pakistan's consistent desire for regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid ul Adha greetings with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, today. The Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Crown Prince for Kuwait's strong and balanced… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Shehbaz Sharif also underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development. The Crown Prince, in response, acknowledged the valuable role played by the Pakistani community in Kuwait and expressed his commitment to deepening ties between the two countries. In a series of recent telephone calls with world leaders aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan's foreign relations. Read More: Islamabad, Riyadh to further elevate strategic ties This follows his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders agreed to further elevate the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia "in accordance with the shared vision of the leadership and aspirations of the brotherly people of the two countries." The leaders also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two nations. Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan reaffirm unity at trilateral summit Last week, Prime Minister Sharif concluded a diplomatic tour of four countries to reinforce regional partnerships amid heightened tensions with India. The tour provided Pakistan an opportunity to personally express gratitude to these nations for their support during the recent escalation. The trip focused on reinforcing bilateral ties and promoting peace, with the Prime Minister thanking key allies for their constructive role in de-escalating tensions with India.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Nurses under probe for seeking Eid bonus
Following the decision to grant an additional basic salary to Capital Development Authority employees from Grade 1 to 16 on the occasion of Eidul Azha, the CDA Chairman has also approved a similar honorarium of one basic salary for all Muslim officers in Grade 17 and above. The decision will apply to contract and daily-wage employees as well, and an official notification has been issued in this regard. Furthermore, CDA Board members, who are on deputation appointments, will also be beneficiary of additional basic salary. Sources reveal that the additional salary payments for all CDA employees and officers on Eidul Azha will cost the authority approximately Rs365.5 million, with Rs235m allocated for employees in Grade 1-16 and Rs30m for officers in Grade 17 and above. It is reported that CDA has become especially lucrative for officers deputed from various departments, particularly board members. More notably, officers deputed to CDA are also allotted plots in Islamabad's D-Block sector after six months of service, despite CDA employees only being eligible for a plot after completing at least 10 years of service. Sources highlight that different eligibility standards exist for permanent CDA employees and those on deputation. This disparity makes CDA postings highly desirable among senior officers from other departments. A senior officer of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) shared an interesting office order, revealing that more than six nurses from Capital Hospital, serving in BS-17 to 19, visited the office of the Member Finance at CDA Headquarters two days ago. The nurses requested that, like employees from BS-1 to 15, they also be granted an additional basic salary as an Eid honorarium. However, instead of their request being considered, the nurses were accused of violating departmental discipline, and a formal departmental inquiry was ordered against them. This action was taken despite the fact that, prior to the issuance of the inquiry order, the CDA had already officially approved the honorarium for all officers in Grade 17 and above. Given this approval, even if the disciplinary action had any basis initially, the acceptance of the nurses' request rendered the inquiry unjustifiable and moot. The CDA Chairman could not be reached for his version despite repeated attempts.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
PM meets Saudi crown prince to strengthen bilateral relations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah during an official visit to Saudi Arabia on June 6, 2025. PHOTO: Saudi Press Agency Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Makkah during a two-day official visit on Friday. The meeting saw a constructive exchange of views on strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and security domains. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the meeting reaffirmed strategic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with both leaders highlighting the importance of continuing their strong partnership. Premier Sharif extended heartfelt Eid greetings to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, commending the Kingdom's hospitality and exceptional service to Hajj pilgrims from around the world. The statement also extended sincere gratitude for the tremendous efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, who ensured a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif {@CMShehbaz} attended a luncheon hosted in his honour by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in Makkah.#PMShehbazInKSA — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 6, 2025 The PM expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's proactive role in mitigating tensions between Pakistan and India. He commended the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond. Highlighting Pakistan's policy of responsible restraint in the face of Indian aggression, PM Sharif underscored that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through dialogue and cooperation. PM Sharif expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum of these partnerships and reiterated that both countries remain committed to elevating this strategic relationship to new heights. The two leaders agreed to further align their efforts with the shared vision of leadership and the aspirations of the brotherly people of both nations, the statement noted. The premier extended an invitation to the crown prince to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which he accepted, reinforcing the mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The two also addressed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both leaders stressed the need for the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations to end the suffering and reiterated their unwavering support for a just and durable resolution to the Palestinian issue. They emphasised the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions as the foundation for any lasting solution, the statement added. The prime minister was accompanied Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف{@CMShehbaz } اور چیف آف آرمی اسٹاف فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر نے پاکستانی وفد کے ہمراہ خانۂ کعبہ میں عمرہ کی سعادت حاصل کی، نوافل ادا کیے، اور 'بنیان مرصوص' کی عظیم فتح پر اللہ تعالیٰ کے حضور شکر ادا کیا۔ — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 6, 2025 Earlier, PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, along with senior ministers, performed Umrah late Thursday night during the official visit to Saudi Arabia. In a rare gesture, the door of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah was specially opened for the visiting Pakistani delegation. The leaders offered Nawafil prayers and expressed gratitude for what they described as the success of Bunyanum Marsoos, a reference to ongoing efforts for national unity and resilience. During the sacred pilgrimage, the prime minister and his delegation also offered special prayers of thanks for recent developments in Pakistan's economic and social sectors. Supplications were made for the nation's continued prosperity and stability.
