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Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Uprooted businesses await monetary relief
While mass transit projects are the need of the hour given the seasonal smog crisis plaguing the province, they are often a source of huge financial losses for thousands of local businessmen, who are suddenly left without a source of income. For instance, Naeem Aamir, a businessman uprooted during the construction of the Metro Bus, revealed that he had inherited several shops alongside the Ferozepur Road. However, even after the passage of several years, he was still struggling to receive the promised compensation. 'The monetary compensation given by the government is like salt in flour. Even today, we have to plead for our money and have almost become shuttlecocks between the development agency and the project,' claimed Aamir. Similarly, Riaz Ahmed, a small trader, who used to own a shop in Anarkali, was uprooted during the construction of the Orange Metro Train Station. 'I used to work as a used-cloth merchant and owned a small shop. The government did not offer proper compensation for my loss. Money was only given for the land, while no relief was given for the damage to my business, which had to be shut down eventually. Even today, I am making rounds of various government offices to get some help,' explained Ahmed. As per information obtained by the Express Tribune, more than 22 underpasses, 17 flyovers, a ring road spanning more than 100 kilometers in length, a 28-kilometer Orange Line train and a 27-kilometer Metro Bus have been constructed in Lahore, the largest city of the province during the past two decades. While these projects have resulted in development work worth trillions of rupees, they have also caused financial hardship for hundreds of families. According to Sohail Hanif Bhandara, an urban developer, the government has a reputation of giving stepmother treatment to the business community and residential areas during the construction of big development projects. 'Although big business entities are paid well, small businesses are often neglected. Therefore, before starting any big development project, efforts should be made to bypass areas with small businesses or mini residential schemes on the route. This process will not only reduce the cost of the project but will also ensure that the common man is not affected,' implored Bhandara. On the other hand, Rai Nasir Jamil, a land acquisition collector, claimed that whenever the government acquired any land, it first evaluated the value of the land and then offered compensation to businesses as per the government's standard formula. 'The standard formula is that whenever a project affecting residential, urban and rural populations is announced, the cost of the project is calculated only after determining its parameters. Sometimes there are irregularities in the valuation. But this can be settled by the complainant later on,' said Jamil. As per the claims of the government, a special package was given to underprivileged families who had been living on the land of various government departments for more than 60 years and did not have ownership rights. Families living in one room in a multi-storey building were given assistance of Rs1 million per household. Land compensation for residential houses located in Kapoorthala House, Kacha Lake Road and Edward Road was Rs.2.5 million per marla, while the compensation for commercial land was Rs3.5 million per marla. One hundred families were living in the Bengali Building while 58 families were living in the Maharaja Building.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Downed power lines and traffic setbacks in St. Louis after storms
ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis is dealing with downed power lines and various traffic delays and closures Friday after intense afternoon Ameren Missouri: The City of St. Louis is responding to multiple incidents related to this afternoon's storms. Please avoid downed power lines. Report downed power lines to Ameren Missouri by calling 800.552.7583. Always assume power lines are energized. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies. To report an outage or downed power line to Ameren, click St. Louis City Emergency Management: Please avoid unnecessary travel within the City of St. Louis. Kingshighway between I-64 and I-70 is closed at several areas due to the storm. Residents are asked to continue to call 911 to report emergencies. Non-emergency storm damage can be reported to the Citizens' Service Bureau by calling 314-622-4800 or online at For updates on traffic conditions, click Due to power outages, Red Line MetroLink trains are not operating between the Wellston and Central West End Stations and Blue Line MetroLink trains are not operating between the Maplewood-Manchester and Central West End Stations. Blue Line Bus Shuttles are transporting passengers between the Maplewood-Manchester, Brentwood I-64, Richmond Heights, Clayton, Forsyth, University City-Big Bend, Skinker, Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Central West End Stations. Red Line Bus Shuttles are transporting passengers between the Wellston, Delmar Loop, Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Central West End Stations. Passengers traveling through these areas should expect significant delays of 60+ minutes. MetroBus: Due to downed trees, traffic signals and other debris impacting roadways, several MetroBus routes are experiencing delays at this time, with some buses on the #2 Red, #41 Lee, and #74 Florissant routes seeing significant delays. All customers are encouraged to allow extra time for their commutes this afternoon and evening. Metro Call-A-Ride: Metro Call-A-Ride customers can check on the status of their trip by calling 314.982.1505, option 2, or texting 314.742.3051. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Air Punjab and the Bullet Train
The spirit of hard work and dedication to public service is a legacy Maryam Nawaz has proudly inherited. Her father, former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, launched numerous welfare initiatives during his tenure, from which millions continue to benefit to this day. In Punjab, the Orange Line and Metro Bus services stand as successful examples of his vision. Now, under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, new projects like Air Punjab, the Bullet Train, and the Yellow Line are set to usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the province. While electric bikes and buses are already operating across Punjab, the 'Clean Punjab' mega initiative is rapidly transforming the province's cities and towns. Even critics now acknowledge that under this programme, cleanliness and improved sanitation are evident even in remote rural areas — a remarkable achievement of the Maryam Nawaz administration. Maryam Nawaz's government is not only swiftly delivering public welfare projects but also making bold, historic decisions. Recently, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced two landmark initiatives: the launch of Pakistan's first provincial airline, Air Punjab, and the introduction of Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train. In a special cabinet meeting, she formally approved both projects. Initially, four aircraft will be leased for Air Punjab, with domestic flights commencing immediately. In its second year, Air Punjab plans to expand operations internationally. Maryam Nawaz has directed that Air Punjab be developed into Pakistan's premier airline. Simultaneously, a decision was made to operate Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, reducing travel time between the two cities to just two and a half hours. The Chief Minister has entrusted Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb with the special task of overseeing the Bullet Train project. In this regard, Marriyum Aurangzeb has held key meetings with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, and railways officials have briefed her on technical and operational aspects. The proposed Bullet Train route will pass through Lahore, Shahdara, Narowal, Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, Lodhran, Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, Shorkot, Jhang, Sargodha, Lalamusa via Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad, Chak Jhumra, and Shahinabad. Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed that the feasibility study for the Yellow Line project, connecting Jinnah Terminal (Thokar Niaz Baig) to Harbanspura, be completed by May 30. Similarly, the feasibility study for the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line must be finalised by June 15. Important decisions regarding the E-Taxi project have also been made, signalling Punjab's rapid march towards modern and eco-friendly transportation solutions. While Punjab accelerates towards modernity, other provinces present a stark contrast. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, people still rely on makeshift cable crossings (dolis) to traverse rivers, and in Sindh, public transportation outside of Karachi is almost nonexistent. Against this backdrop, Maryam Nawaz's vision is to transform Punjab into a truly modern and developed province. Recently, at an international conference in Türkiye, Lahore was officially declared a 'Tourism City.' To further enhance Lahore's historic beauty, the Punjab government has formed a special committee with Mian Nawaz Sharif himself serving as Patron-in-Chief. His deep love for Lahore is well-known, and he has personally taken responsibility for the city's restoration. Lahore enjoys a unique identity on the global stage. However, to elevate it further, urban management standards must match international benchmarks. The city's cleanliness, lush green spaces, modern transport systems, and well-developed road infrastructure have already contributed to its reputation among the world's most beautiful cities. Citizens, too, must fulfil their responsibility in preserving Lahore's charm. If the Yellow Line is constructed along the Lahore Canal, the city could soon join the ranks of global metropolises like Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Moscow, Paris, and London. The Lahore Canal, a signature landmark of the city's beauty, will be further enhanced by this project. One of Maryam Nawaz's defining traits is her proactive leadership style. Her projects do not remain trapped in bureaucratic files; she personally monitors progress and ensures effective delivery. As a result, her team performs with full commitment and responsibility, helping to translate her vision into reality. (The writer is the PRO of Information Minister Punjab) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pindi ready to host CT matches
The ICC Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan from February 19. Photo: PCB The city administration has finalised arrangements to host the matches of Champions Trophy 2025 which will kick off today (Monday). According to sources, Metro Bus stations from Rehmanabad to Faizabad will remain closed, and sniper teams will be positioned on rooftops along the routes to monitor the teams' movement. In case of any emergency, a helipad will be set up near the stadium with a contingency crisis management and evacuation plan in place.
Express Tribune
10-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Housing justice and urban mobility
Cities are economic and cultural engines that drive global growth, innovation, and social development. However, unchecked urbanisation in Pakistan has resulted in challenges such as inadequate housing, strained infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 - "Sustainable Cities and Communities" - provides a framework to address these issues by promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development. For Pakistan, achieving SDG 11 is necessary and an opportunity to redefine its urban future. Pakistan has one of the fastest urbanisation rates in South Asia, with its urban population increasing from 32.5% in 1998 to 36.4% in 2017, projected to reach 50% by 2025 (UN-Habitat Pakistan, 2022). Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad contribute significantly to the economy, generating 55% of Pakistan's GDP, with Karachi alone accounting for 1215% of the national GDP and 55% of federal tax revenues (IIPS, 2023). Despite this economic importance, these urban centres are plagued by inefficiencies, including unplanned growth, informal settlements, and limited infrastructure (UN-Habitat Pakistan, 2022; IIPS, 2023). Environmental degradation is a growing concern. Karachi's urbanised area expanded from 13.4% in 1990 to 23.7% in 2020, significantly reducing green spaces. Projections indicate that 66.65% of the urbanised regions will be flood-prone by 2035, primarily due to impervious surfaces and inadequate drainage systems (Mumtaz et al., 2025). The Malir River, once spanning 17.19 km² in 1990, has shrunk to just 5.07 km² in 2020, increasing the risk of urban flooding. The consequences of rapid urbanisation extend beyond flooding. The reduction of water bodies from 3.4% in 1990 to just 1.3% in 2020 and declining vegetation cover exacerbate heat island effects and reduce biodiversity. The transportation sector in Pakistan accounts for 31% of the country's carbon emissions, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and outdated public transport systems. Lahore and Karachi consistently record (Particulate Matter) PM2.5 levels 10-15 times higher than WHO guidelines, contributing to 128,000 premature deaths annually in Pakistan (UN-Habitat Pakistan, 2022; IIPS, 2023). Karachi, home to nearly 20 million residents, lacks a functional mass transit system, causing severe traffic congestion and air pollution. Traffic congestion alone costs Karachi's economy $2.5 billion annually in lost productivity (IIPS, 2023). Lahore and Islamabad have introduced Metro Bus systems, yet these serve less than 10% of the population, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and efficient transportation network (IIPS, 2023). The Electric Vehicle Policy (2020) aims to shift 30% of vehicles to electric by 2030, reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. However, high vehicle costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and limited public awareness hinder widespread adoption. Investments in multimodal transport systems, integrated with green infrastructure, are essential to achieving SDG 11 goals (UN-Habitat Pakistan, 2022). Globally, 1.8 billion people lack access to adequate housing, with 150 million considered homeless (UN-Habitat, 2023). In Pakistan, the housing deficit exceeds 10 million units, with demand increasing by 350,000 units annually and projected to rise to 400,000 units (Evaluation of Naya Pakistan Housing, 2023). Rising land costs have further exacerbated the crisis. Between 2011 and 2021, land prices increased by 195.3%, making housing unaffordable for low-income groups, who represent 62% of unmet demand (Evaluation of Naya Pakistan Housing, 2023). The Naya Pakistan Housing Program (NPHP) aims to construct 5 million affordable housing units. However, as of 2023, only 100,000 units have been completed, and most remain inaccessible to daily wage earners and low-income families (Evaluation of Naya Pakistan Housing, 2023). To address housing justice in Pakistan, strategies must focus on regularising informal settlements by providing secure land tenure and upgrading infrastructure to reduce inequalities. Community-led solutions are essential to ensuring local participation in housing projects that meet cultural and social needs. Incentivising low-cost housing by discouraging land speculation and promoting affordable, high-density developments is also necessary. Housing improvements yield broader benefits; for instance, constructing 100,000 housing units could contribute up to 2% of GDP, while improving housing stock reduces healthcare and social costs associated with urban slums (UN-Habitat Pakistan, 2022; Evaluation of Naya Pakistan Housing, 2023). Urbanisation offers immense opportunities for sustainable development in Pakistan. Between 2020 and 2023, Pakistan imported over 25 gigawatts of solar panels from China, significantly boosting its power capacity by approximately 50% (Vox, 2024). Initiatives like the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami and urban forest programs in Lahore aim to mitigate environmental degradation and enhance urban resilience (UN-Habitat Pakistan, 2022). Geospatial technologies and remote sensing, as demonstrated in Karachi's flood studies, provide tools for better urban planning. By integrating these technologies, Pakistan can monitor land use changes, predict vulnerabilities, and implement targeted interventions. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) remain vital for financing sustainable infrastructure projects (Mumtaz et al., 2025). Countries like Denmark and Singapore demonstrate how integrated urban planning and sustainability initiatives can transform cities. Copenhagen's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 highlights the potential of green infrastructure and efficient transportation systems. Singapore's urban planning models emphasise green architecture and climate-resilient infrastructure. These examples offer valuable lessons for Pakistan to localise SDG 11 (UN-Habitat Pakistan, 2022). Localisation of SDG 11 provides Pakistan with a roadmap to transform its urban centres into hubs of sustainability and inclusivity. Addressing housing justice, enhancing public transport, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure can transform Pakistan's cities into equitable, liveable hubs. This requires political will, robust governance, sustainable construction practices, and community engagement, setting a South Asian benchmark for sustainable urbanisation.
