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Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Construction of Sindh motorways ‘top priority', says Aleem Khan
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Monday said construction of motorways in Sindh was a top priority of the government. Talking to the media in Karachi, Aleem Khan announced that the M-6 and M-10 motorways would be launched simultaneously, according to a press release shared by the Press Information Department (PID). 'The M-6 is Pakistan's lifeline which was unfortunately neglected by previous governments,' he added. The minister emphasised that the motorway would be incomplete in its utility without being connected to the C-Port and that both the M-6 and M-10 would be linked to the Karachi Port to ensure full functionality. Highlighting the significance of the M-6 Project, Aleem Khan shared that it was a nearly Rs400 billion initiative comprising upon five sections, each approximately of 60 kilometers long. 'There is no better opportunity for investment than this project.' He further said financing had already been secured for two sections while discussions for the remaining three were ongoing. 'We will finalise the feasibility report and present it to the prime minister within the next 15 days.' Motorways from Karachi to Hyderabad and from Hyderabad to Sukkur would be completed as early as possible while working on the N-25 Highway from Karachi to Quetta was also scheduled to begin later this year, the minister said. 'Karachi's challenges are not just provincial—they are national issues and we will address them on a priority basis,' he emphasised. Replying to questions, the federal minister stressed that his focus was on delivering progress rather than engaging in blame games. 'My effort is to prioritise the launch of motorway projects in Sindh, similarly, we are committed to completing the Kaghan-Naran Motorway.' Aleem Khan said the National Highway Authority (NHA) recorded 'unprecedented growth' in revenue over the current fiscal year and attaining the target from Rs64 billion to Rs110 billion while the additional income would be utilised into improving road infrastructure and constructing new motorways. To ensure road safety, the minister said strict measures were being implemented against dangerous driving on motorways. 'Drivers exceeding 150 km/h are not only being fined but also facing FIRs,' Mandatory use of M-Tags was helping reduce long queues, and staffing shortages in motorway police were being addressed, he added. Regarding his visit to Karachi, Aleem Khan mentioned that he, along with the Federal Secretary Communications and Chairman of the NHA held meeting with the Chief Minister of Sindh and assured full support from his ministry. He also held a meeting with the business community led by Arif Habib, where investors expressed interest in participating in the development of Sindh's motorways and road networks, the PID statement read. The minister noted that a joint team was being formed to focus on additional options for the Lyari Expressway in Karachi, including improvements to interchanges and exploration of further development projects.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan hands over 35 tons of humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has handed over 35 tons of emergency relief aid to Myanmar for its earthquake-affected people, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday, as death toll from last week's massive earthquake in Myanmar neared to 3,500. The 7.7-magnitude quake hit a wide swath of the country, causing significant damage to six regions and states including the capital Naypyitaw. The earthquake left many areas without power, telephone or cell connections and damaged roads and bridges, making the full extent of the devastation hard to assess. It also worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis triggered by the country's civil war that has internally displaced more than 3 million people and left nearly 20 million in need, according to the United Nations. Pakistan had dispatched the second consignment of humanitarian aid through an air cargo flight from Islamabad to Yangon, Myanmar, according to Pakistan's Press Information Department (PID). 'Pakistan's Ambassador to Myanmar Imran Haider officially gave the consignment to Chief Minister of Yangon Region at Yangon International Airport,' the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported. 'This shipment, comprising 35 tons of goods, brings the total relief assistance dispatched to Myanmar after the recent earthquake to 70 tons.' The development came as rain compounded misery and presented new hurdles for relief efforts in Myanmar on Sunday. With people either having lost their homes entirely or reluctant to spend time in cracked and unstable structures, many residents have been sleeping outside in tents. United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher said in a video filmed in Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, that food, water, and power repairs were needed urgently. Many people in the area are still without shelter, he said, describing the scale of damage in the city as 'epic.' 'We need to get tents and hope to survivors as they rebuild their shattered lives,' Fletcher wrote on X.
Express Tribune
26-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM plans to replicate Azerbaijan's 'Asan Khidmat' model in Islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by Ulvi Mehdiyev, chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation about the services offered by 'Asan Khidmat' during his visit to one of the centers in Baku, Azerbaijan on February 25, 2025. Courtesy: Press Information Department Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a two-day visit to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan this week, with a focus on strengthening bilateral relations, exploring innovative governance models, and fostering economic collaboration. During his visit to Azerbaijan, PM Shehbaz visited the Asan Khidmat (ASAN XIDMAT) centre in Baku, a one-stop facility offering over 400 services to residents. He praised the centre's advanced technology and efficient service delivery systems, which he described as a reflection of the visionary leadership of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. The PM expressed interest in replicating this model in Islamabad, stating, 'We would love to benefit from Azerbaijan's experience,' and announced plans to initiate a pilot project based on the Asan Khidmat model. The centre, which integrates services from over 30 government and 15 private institutions, has become a symbol of efficient public service delivery. PM Shehbaz was briefed on the centre's comprehensive governance reforms, which ensure transparency, accountability, and the involvement of citizens' feedback in improving services. Additionally, he learned about the Mobile Asan Khidmat service, which delivers public services directly to local communities through specially designed buses and trains. In a move to further strengthen ties, PM Shehbaz invited a team from the centre to visit Pakistan and explore potential cooperation opportunities.
