Latest news with #MuradAliShah
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Reconstruction work stalls over land dispute
For a city as big as Karachi, a citywide transit network is crucial for addressing the transportation needs of the low-income masses and reducing the atmospheric pollution plaguing the industrial hub. Yet progress on public transport projects like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has remained minimal due to persistent land disagreements between state bodies. According to information received by The Express Tribune, in 2021, on the directions of the Supreme Court, Pakistan Railways had started development work on underpasses and flyovers at various places in the city to eliminate the KCR gates. "The revival of the Karachi Circular Railway was planned to be done in two phases. The first phase, costing Rs20 billion, involved the elimination of 24 railway crossings while the second project concerned the revival of the Circular Railway, including the construction of double tracks, reconstruction of stations and purchase of light rail. This phase was estimated to cost Rs200 billion under a public-private partnership. The entire project was to be completed in two years," said an official from Pakistan Railways, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official further revealed that in 2022, caretaker Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the request of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, directing Pakistan Railways to immediately hand over all the assets and land of the Karachi Circular Railway to the Sindh government. However, senior officials of Pakistan Railways were skeptical on the grounds that the construction, repair and operation of the railway system was a highly technical task requiring ample experience, which the Sindh government lacked. Since the federal government rejected the concerns of Pakistan Railways, development work on the railway crossings of the KCR was halted three years ago. According to the concerned officer, underpasses, flyovers and elevated rail tracks were to be constructed at seven locations along the 44 kilometre loop of the Karachi Circular Railway. Work on two underpasses at Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13D had started three years ago, 70 per cent of which had been completed. In addition, a railway overhead bridge at Hussainabad, a 3.5 kilometre elevated track from Musa Colony to Manghopir and a 6.5 kilometre elevated rail track from Gulbai Phatak to West Wharf were also under construction. Moreover, an underpass was to be constructed on University Road and a flyover at Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Machar Colony. Unfortunately, none of this could be completed. Dr Syed Nawaz Al-Huda, a regional planner, was of the opinion that had the Karachi Circular Railway project been completed in time, the people of Karachi would not have been victims of so many road accidents today. "In principle, this project should remain with Pakistan Railways because the Sindh government has no experience in railway construction and operations. It has been 36 years since the closure of the KCR, but this project is still plagued by the red tape," highlighted Dr Al-Huda, who implored the government to complete this project on a priority basis. Addressing the criticism, Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Kamal Hakim Daio told The Express Tribune that the Sindh government had not yet taken over the Karachi Circular Railway project. "Pakistan Railways has not yet handed over the land and assets of the Circular Railway to the Sindh government since it is seeking land or compensation in exchange. The Sindh government is still in the process of negotiating for the land for the KCR project, which will cost 2 billion US dollars," said Daio. On the other hand, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways assured that progress was being made on land-related matters in connection with the KCR project. "Details of the land of KCR have been shared by Pakistan Railways with the SMTA while discussions are also underway with the Board of Revenue, Sindh Management and Budgetary Reforms (SMBR) and the provincial government. No final decision has been made yet," claimed the official.
Express Tribune
17 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
KCR reconstruction work stalls over land dispute
For a city as big as Karachi, a citywide transit network is crucial for addressing the transportation needs of the low-income masses and reducing the atmospheric pollution plaguing the industrial hub. Yet progress on public transport projects like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has remained minimal due to persistent land disagreements between state bodies. According to information received by The Express Tribune, in 2021, on the directions of the Supreme Court, Pakistan Railways had started development work on underpasses and flyovers at various places in the city to eliminate the KCR gates. "The revival of the Karachi Circular Railway was planned to be done in two phases. The first phase, costing Rs20 billion, involved the elimination of 24 railway crossings while the second project concerned the revival of the Circular Railway, including the construction of double tracks, reconstruction of stations and purchase of light rail. This phase was estimated to cost Rs200 billion under a public-private partnership. The entire project was to be completed in two years," said an official from Pakistan Railways, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official further revealed that in 2022, caretaker Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the request of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, directing Pakistan Railways to immediately hand over all the assets and land of the Karachi Circular Railway to the Sindh government. However, senior officials of Pakistan Railways were skeptical on the grounds that the construction, repair and operation of the railway system was a highly technical task requiring ample experience, which the Sindh government lacked. Since the federal government rejected the concerns of Pakistan Railways, development work on the railway crossings of the KCR was halted three years ago. According to the concerned officer, underpasses, flyovers and elevated rail tracks were to be constructed at seven locations along the 44 kilometre loop of the Karachi Circular Railway. Work on two underpasses at Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13D had started three years ago, 70 per cent of which had been completed. In addition, a railway overhead bridge at Hussainabad, a 3.5 kilometre elevated track from Musa Colony to Manghopir and a 6.5 kilometre elevated rail track from Gulbai Phatak to West Wharf were also under construction. Moreover, an underpass was to be constructed on University Road and a flyover at Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Machar Colony. Unfortunately, none of this could be completed. Dr Syed Nawaz Al-Huda, a regional planner, was of the opinion that had the Karachi Circular Railway project been completed in time, the people of Karachi would not have been victims of so many road accidents today. "In principle, this project should remain with Pakistan Railways because the Sindh government has no experience in railway construction and operations. It has been 36 years since the closure of the KCR, but this project is still plagued by the red tape," highlighted Dr Al-Huda, who implored the government to complete this project on a priority basis. Addressing the criticism, Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Kamal Hakim Daio told The Express Tribune that the Sindh government had not yet taken over the Karachi Circular Railway project. "Pakistan Railways has not yet handed over the land and assets of the Circular Railway to the Sindh government since it is seeking land or compensation in exchange. The Sindh government is still in the process of negotiating for the land for the KCR project, which will cost 2 billion US dollars," said Daio. On the other hand, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways assured that progress was being made on land-related matters in connection with the KCR project. "Details of the land of KCR have been shared by Pakistan Railways with the SMTA while discussions are also underway with the Board of Revenue, Sindh Management and Budgetary Reforms (SMBR) and the provincial government. No final decision has been made yet," claimed the official.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
CA qualification instils leadership qualities: CM
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, addressing the Members' Convocation Ceremony for the Winter Batch 2024 of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), stated that the rigorous journey to obtaining Chartered Accountant qualification instils discipline, ethics, and leadership qualities, transforming these professionals into trusted advisors and visionary leaders beyond mere numbers crunchers. The event, held at a local hotel, celebrated the achievements of the newly qualified Chartered Accountants and highlighted their vital role in the country's economic and professional landscape. Addressing the gathering, the CM expressed his honour and privilege to stand among Pakistan's brightest young minds. He described the convocation as more than a formal event - a joyous celebration of talent, perseverance, and the promising future these professionals represent for Pakistan. Murad emphasised the prestige of ICAP, calling it a national institution with a stellar reputation both domestically and internationally. He noted that ICAP has consistently produced exceptional professionals who have become finance leaders, auditors, CEOs, advisors, and entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to economic growth and stability. Highlighting the rigorous journey to becoming Chartered Accountants, the CM acknowledged that the qualification instils discipline, ethics, and leadership qualities that transform these professionals into trusted advisors and visionary leaders beyond mere number crunchers. Murad praised the elected governing Council of ICAP for safeguarding the profession's independence, championing innovation, and maintaining the highest standards to keep the institute aligned with global best practices. This, he said, prepares members to compete and lead on the world stage. To the newly qualified Chartered Accountants, the Chief Minister conveyed a powerful message: their success is not just about passing exams but about demonstrating dedication, consistency, and self-belief to achieve extraordinary milestones. He reminded them that their journey is just beginning and that their prestigious title carries worldwide respect and great responsibility. The Chief Minister called on these professionals to lead with integrity, sound judgment, and courage, whether in boardrooms, public service, or entrepreneurship. He underscored Pakistan's need for honest and capable leaders who set trends and drive meaningful change, especially in the public sector. He also lauded ICAP's commitment to merit, innovation, and professional excellence, recognising its crucial role in nurturing ethical and future-ready professionals. Acknowledging the families present, the Chief Minister appreciated their sacrifices and support, stating that this achievement belongs to them as much as to the graduates.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM Sindh chairs joint session on Sindh budget planning
Listen to article Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired a joint meeting of the Finance and Planning & Development (P&D) departments on Wednesday to finalise proposals for the upcoming fiscal year's budget. The meeting, held on a public holiday, was attended by Minister for Planning and Development Nasir Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, and senior officials. 'The meeting of P&D and Finance departments has been called on a holiday today,' Murad noted, adding that the aim was to finalise the next financial year's budget at the earliest. 'I want most of the proposals to be finalised before Eid,' he said, stressing that the budget should serve the public interest. Read More: Upcoming budget to feature 'bold measures': Aurangzeb Nasir informed the meeting that of the 4,644 ongoing development schemes, 1,812 were expected to be completed this year. The chief minister instructed that funds for these near-complete projects be released without delay. New development schemes have also been proposed by departments, with a significant number originating from local-level initiatives, according to the planning minister. 'Shortlist the proposals for new schemes and present them in the next meeting,' the chief minister directed. Read More: New motorway proposed to segregate port traffic 'We will review funds separately in a separate meeting and finalise new schemes,' he added. Highlighting past performance, Murad noted, 'In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Sindh government launched 1,937 new schemes worth 88.3 billion rupees.' 'Most of the 1,937 schemes will now be completed,' he said, adding that provincial revenue figures for the new fiscal year will become clear in the first week of June. Last week, the federal government assigned the Sindh government the responsibility to establish urology and kidney hospitals in Rawalpindi and Rahim Yar Khan. During a cabinet meeting held at the chief minister's house, Murad informed the cabinet that Rs9 billion had been approved by the centre. The funding covered the establishment of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT) facilities in both cities, the reconstruction of flood-affected homes in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the creation of new SZABIST and IBA campuses.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
WB team, first lady visit houses for flood victims
A delegation of the World Bank's top officials, accompanied by the First Lady MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited a health facility and interacted with the beneficiaries of the government housing project for flood victims in Benazirabad on Friday. WB Managing Director Operations Anna Bjerde and the Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine also interacted with the people at the hospital and in the government built houses. The delegation was also taken to stalls displaying locally manufactured handicrafts. The delegation toured the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Jam Sahib and engaged with the health workers and patients to gain firsthand insight into the healthcare services being provided at the facility. Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho and other health officers briefed the delegation, telling them that the BHU received more than 20,000 patients every month including a record 5,471 Outpatient Department (OPD) service. They apprised that in terms of the family planning services the BHU has surpassed its goal by 125% and its contraceptive services department has achieved 71% of its monthly target. They claimed quality maternity services and antenatal care, which included trimester check-ups, are also being provided at the BHU. WB MD Anna Bejerde, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, CM Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Pechuho and WB Country Director Najy Benhassine visited the flood rehabilitation housing project in village Nazr Muhammad Laghari Goth, Shaheed Benazirabad district. The delegation later met female members of the Village Reconstruction Committee (VRC), formed under the Sindh Peoples Housing Project, who displayed their handicrafts. They also visited houses in Nazar Mohammad Leghari village, where they handed over ownership documents to the beneficiaries. Bejerde reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting the Sindh government in flood recovery efforts, praising the resilience of the local people and the leadership's dedication. Aseefa highlighted that granting women ownership rights under the SPHF project is a historic socio-economic empowerment initiative by the Sindh government, significantly benefiting rural women.
