Funds allocated for NA-53 projects
The government has approved significant funding for the completion of development projects initiated during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) era, including hospitals and infrastructure schemes in NA-53, said Member of the National Assembly and Chairman District Coordination Committee Rawalpindi, Engineer Qamarul Islam Raja.
Sharing details of the approved projects for the fiscal year 2025-26, the MNA said that Rs210 million have been allocated for Jorian Hospital and Rs110 million for Potohar Town Rawat Hospital, covering all remaining funds needed to complete both medical facilities.
He further announced that Rs450 million have been sanctioned for completing the remaining portion of Adiala Road from Khawaja Corporation to Gorakhpur, while Rs2.3 billion have been approved for the construction of a dual carriageway from Gorakhpur to Khasala Khurd. To improve connectivity in the region, an additional Rs1.7 billion have been approved for a new underpass at Tulsa Morr on Adiala Road, following the Rs3.5 billion Khawaja Corporation Flyover.
In a revival of water infrastructure projects, the Rs1.8 billion Mujahid Dam project has also received approval, following the earlier Mohata Dam initiative. Raja said efforts are underway to ensure additional funds are allocated within the current fiscal year to enable the dam's completion in FY 2026.
A sum of Rs20 million has been approved for the construction of the Chora Sharif to Malukal Road. Similarly, Rs150 million have been allocated for the Dhok Budhal to Sukho Road, which will provide a direct connection between Rawat and Chakwal Road. To ensure there are no delays after the completion of Daducha Dam, Rs10 million have been set aside for the design and paperwork of the water supply system, enabling its immediate implementation.
The MNA further stated that a total of Rs60 million has been allocated for the water supply schemes in Mohri Ghazan, Lakhan, and Dhamial. An amount of Rs30 million has been set aside for the development of the Kulyan HameedMalukal Road. Additionally, Rs70 million have been approved for the revival of the Dhok Budhal Water Supply Scheme, as well as for street construction and drainage work.
Approximately Rs28 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the Malukal Water Supply Scheme and associated drainage infrastructure.
For street construction and drainage in Mauza Jorian, Union Council Dhamial, Rs15 million have been sanctioned. Moreover, the remaining Rs9 billion required for the Rawalpindi Ring Road project will be released immediately, said the MNA.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
30 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Timeline has to be set by court when constitutional timeline is not met: PTI counsel
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI)'s counsel told the Constitutional Bench that the majority judgment in reserved seats has not violated the Constitution by extending time for 41 independents to join the PTI. Salman Akram Raja, representing the PTI, said that eight judges of the Supreme Court have dealt with the coercive measure adopted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) the PTI candidates had opted to contest elections as independent. An 11-member Constitutional Bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the review petitions of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) and the ECP. The proceeding was live-streamed on SC's You Tube channel. Raja argued that the timeline has to be set by the Court when constitutional timeline is not met. The eight judges considering all the facts and the precedents gave relief to the PTI. Justice Amin inquired when the Court hearing an appeal filed against the Peshawar High Court (PHC) under Article 185 of the Constitution then can use Article 187. Raja, citing cases of NRO and extension to the Chief of Army Staff, argued that deviation had taken place in the past as well, but the Supreme Court cured them. He said judgment of Justice Mandokhail and Justice Qazi Faez also recognised the deviation and cured it by declaring that 39 independents are PTI candidates and entitled to reserved seats. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail said to extent of 39 independents they had done that on the basis of undisputed facts. Raja contended that the majority judgment had also looked at all the facts and the precedents and came up with two different sets of relief, adding the factual finding cannot be undone. Justice Amin said till date, none of the 80 independents has disputed that he or she has not joined the SIC independently. Justice Mandokhail noted that the elections process starts by filing nomination papers, adding the candidates who have mentioned in their nomination papers independent then why not they accept those nomination papers? At the onset of the proceedings, Raja explained why the PTI candidates contested general elections 2024 as independents. He submitted that after the Supreme Court's judgment on the PTI's intra-party elections, the ECP disallowed party symbol to them, and also derecognised the PTI, adding the ECP in its 9th February order declared all the PTI candidates as independents, including those who had contested on PTI tickets and won the elections. He told that there was great confusion at time as they were told that all the PTI candidates would be treated as independents, 'therefore our returned candidates had joined the SIC, as we had the precedent of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) before us that a party which had not contested elections and won any seats, but was distributed reserved seats.' 'We had the understanding that ultimately the will of the people would prevail.' Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail stated that the BAP had contested the election and secured seats, adding it had some members in the Balochistan provincial assembly and five in the Senate, if not in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Raja replied that they had assumption that the BAP party had no seats in the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies. Justice Mandokhail said despite various difficulties some of the PTI members contested on the PTI tickets and became MNAs. He questioned when PTI was in the National Assembly then why 80 independent returned candidates joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). He asked whether those six MNAs had claimed reserved seats on their strength? Raja replied that till 11th February 2024, the ECP treated them (the six MNAs) also as independents. 'If six lawmakers had been recognised as PTI then the independent candidates could have joined the PTI instead of the SIC.' Justice Mandokhail then asked Raja that you filed a writ petition before the Lahore High Court (LHC),praying that you should be declared as PTI candidate instead of independent. Raja informed that his petition was disposed of by a divisional bench of LHC, which included Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, without any order and the matter was remanded to the ECP. 'I came to the Supreme Court against that order I have challenged the vires of Explanation of Rule 94 of The Election Rules, but the SC office returned my petition on 2nd February, 2024 by raising objections.' Justice Mandokhail then asked him whether you or any of the PTI leaders till date has challenged that order? Raja responded: 'We came to the Supreme Court not once, but twice, but our application was returned by the Registrar's Office, and we were told that the Supreme Court will not entertain any election related application.' Upon that, Justice Mandokhail questioned why not any of the PTI leaders filed any chamber appeal. The case was adjourned until today (Thursday). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PTI warns oil reserves may run out in 10-12 days
ISLAMABAD: The opposition leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub on Wednesday issued a stark warning that the country's oil reserves could run dry in just 10 to 12 days, underscoring what he called the government's catastrophic economic collapse and ruthless political manoeuvring. Speaking at a presser flanked by senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Qaiser, Senator Ali Zafar, Zartaj Gul, and others, Ayub tore into the government's 'flawed and inflation-fuelling' budget – accusing it of squeezing citizens with billions in fresh taxes while bungling the nation's already precarious finances. He further revealed a jaw-dropping admission by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of a multi-billion-rupee miscalculation – a fiscal blunder that threatens to deepen the country's economic abyss. Ayub also alleged the government continues to conspire against PTI lawmakers despite 'stealing' the February 2024 general elections and riding to power on a rigged mandate. 'The installed regime of Shehbaz Sharif remains obsessed with election rigging,' Ayub declared, pointing to the Punjab Police's blatant manipulation during the recent by-elections in Sialkot to favour a government-backed candidate – an act he branded as 'shameful' and a direct assault on democracy. The opposition leader did not hold back on the government's crackdown on dissent either, accusing it of stifling opposition voices and tightening control over the media – highlighted by the censorship of PTI lawmakers' speeches during the budget debate and blackouts of press conferences on critical national issues, especially the faltering economy. In a dramatic revelation, Ayub disclosed that three of his nomination papers were mysteriously rejected ahead of the last year's polls and alleged that election results were tampered with after 2am – a blatant undermining of democratic norms. Asad Qaiser condemned the current administration as 'born out of Form-47 manipulation,' blasting the government's media blackout of opposition members while ruling party officials bask in prime airtime. Senator Ali Zafar added to the chorus, warning that even the Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani is being sidelined in what he described as a 'serious institutional meltdown.' Meanwhile, PTI launched a scathing attack on the government's targeting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's family – particularly his wife, Bushra Bibi – while dismissing the recent visits by foreign delegations as mere 'luxury trips' that delivered no tangible benefits to Pakistan. With jail terms dragging on for key PTI figures, including cancer patient Dr Yasmin Rashid, PTI leaders vowed to fight back hard, pledging to win the ongoing battle for 'real independence' as envisioned by the jailed party founding chairman, Imran Khan. In a separate presser, PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram, alongside MNAs Usman Mela and Mubeen Jutt, raised concerns over Pakistan's widening primary income deficit and escalating national debt. Citing economic reports, Akram said the deficit, currently estimated at $7.1 billion annually, is being driven by increased profit repatriation by foreign companies and declining returns from Pakistani firms abroad. This growing gap, he warned, is intensifying pressure on the country's external accounts. Mubeen Jutt claimed that Pakistan's total debt has surged to Rs76 trillion, up from Rs44 trillion three years ago when PTI was in power. He said that domestic banks now hold Rs51 trillion of this debt, while foreign banks account for Rs25 trillion. According to Jutt, annual interest payments total Rs7.5 trillion to local banks and Rs800 billion to foreign banks. Despite the central bank's policy rate being slashed from 22 per cent to 11 per cent and maintained at that level, domestic debt remains elevated – raising alarm among economists. Usman Mela criticised the recent budget's tax measures, which reduced levies on banks lending to the government but increased taxes on individual loans. 'The average borrower now faces a tax rate of 25%, up from 10%,' he said, calling the policy regressive. He noted domestic debt has nearly doubled from Rs28 trillion prior to the IMF programme to Rs51 trillion. While a three per cent interest rate cut could save Rs1 trillion annually, projected savings remain limited, with Rs7 trillion in interest payments expected this year. 'There appears to be disproportionate benefit to banks, with ordinary citizens effectively paying much higher rates,' Mela said, also questioning official projections of 9% industrial growth, citing a lack of on-ground expansion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
GST on imported solar panels reduced to 10pc
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that the digital sales tax on services would remain within the jurisdiction of provinces and proposed general sales tax (GST)on solar panels has been reduced from 18 per cent to 10 per cent. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Wednesday, Dar said that after detailed discussions with coalition partners and relevant stakeholders, consensus had been reached on resolving several contentious budgetary issues. He said that as part of the revisions, it was agreed that the imposition of digital sales tax on services falls under the constitutional domain of provincial governments. 'The concerns regarding digital taxation were valid. We held in-depth consultations with all stakeholders, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and it has been decided that the matter will be clearly addressed in the finance minister's budget winding-up speech.' NA panel rejects 18pc GST on solar panels He said that the earlier proposal of imposing 18 per cent general sales tax (GST) on solar panels had sparked considerable debate. Upon review, he said that it was revealed that 54 per cent of components used in solarisation were already taxed under the existing regime, and the 18 per cent tax applied only to the remaining 46 per cent. However, after mutual consultations, we have now proposed reducing the solar GST from 18 per cent to 10 per cent, he announced. The deputy prime minister said that tax proposals are essential for revenue generation, and any relief in one area necessitates compensation elsewhere. He pointed out that when the cabinet found the initial proposal of a six per cent salary increase for government employees insufficient and raised it to 10 per cent, corresponding budgetary adjustments also had to be made. 'We must move forward collectively. Our approach is rooted in consensus and cooperation.' Highlighting another key issue, he said it was decided to maintain funding for proposed universities in Sindh under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) at Rs4.7 billion through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He said that fund would be released for the universities. The deputy prime minister acknowledged valid concerns raised by the members of the house about the closure of the Public Works Department (PWD) and confirmed that the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) would now oversee all federal development projects across provinces. He said that the PIDCL was initially formed for Sindh, but its mandate has now been expanded to oversee development projects across all provinces. Dar concluded by reaffirming the government's willingness to address genuine concerns through mutual dialogue and constructive engagement. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) senior leader Syed Naveed Qamar thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for accommodating the proposals of the party and Sindh government. 'We had wanted to reduce all 18 per cent tax on solar panels but it cannot do so. After approval of budget, a committee will be formed to discuss further reduce tax on solar panels.' He also acknowledged the government's decision to expand the mandate of the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) to all provinces, instead of limiting it to Sindh, effectively addressing another PPP concern. Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani highlighted the steps being taken by Sindh government for development of Karachi including its health infrastructure. He said that we also want to eliminate arrest power of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He also said that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway is a vital need of the people and urged the authorities to pay attention to the project. Earlier, legislators from both opposition and treasury benches called for the establishment of Special Agriculture Zones, IT Facilitation Centres nationwide, increased farmer support, and funding for churches and temples to promote economic growth and social inclusion. Resuming general budget discussions on the fifth day in the National Assembly, Dr Zulfikar Ali Bhatti of PML-N stressed the need to develop rural areas and strengthen the agricultural sector. He proposed the establishment of Special Agriculture Zones nationwide, equipped with all necessary facilities to enhance agricultural productivity. He also advocated for providing incentives to farmers. Additionally, he called for the creation of IT facilitation centres in rural regions and the implementation of skill development programs for youth, particularly in these areas, to promote self-sufficiency. Fatehullah Khan of PPP strongly denounced Israel's aggression against Iran. Drawing attention to the suffering of flood victims in his constituency, he urged the government to provide compensation to those affected. Awais Haider Jhakar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) highlighted the challenges faced by farmers and criticised government policies that have contributed to a decline in agricultural production. Sanjay Parwani of the MQM criticised the government for failing to allocate what he described as even a single penny for the country's churches and temples in the 2025-26 federal budget. Abdul Ghafoor Haideri of JUI-F urged the Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah to issue a ruling demanding strict punishment for the miscreants involved in the attempted abduction of Maulana Fazlur Rehman's son and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible. PPP's Zulfiqar Ali Behan called for the imposition of an agricultural emergency in the country and the removal of taxes on fertilisers to boost agricultural production. Chaudhry Mubeen Arif Jatt of SIC called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed 18 percent GST on solar panels. He also highlighted the hardships faced by farmers, noting that their produce is being sold at prices lower than their production costs. Chaudhry Riazul Haq of PML-N demanded a review of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)'s excessive powers and emphasised the need to lower fertiliser prices. Sohail Sultan said that it is the government's duty to provide relief to the people. He urged the government to increase the monthly income of labourers and suggested including youth programmes in the current budget. Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi lauded the armed forces and their chiefs for performing outstanding performance against the Indian aggression against Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is far behind in modern agriculture, lamenting that we cannot even produce the seed of any crop. He linked the development of the country with the agriculture sector, adding, we cannot progress unless we develop agriculture sector. He said that a small relief was given to farmers in the shape of solar power but the government imposed tax on this facility which is injustice. He demanded that the pesticides and fertiliser be tax-free. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, Nasir Iqbal, Musa Gilani, Ali Jadoon, and others participated in the budget debate. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
