KARACHI: Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed, has reaffirmed that the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme — commonly known as the K-IV project — is on track for completion in 2026, subject to timely availability of funds. During a two-day visit, the chairman inspected major construction sites, including the intake structure and pumping stations at Keenjhar Lake, the high-pressure water conveyance pipelines leading to Karachi, and one of the city’s filtration plants. Project officials, contractors and consultants briefed him on contract-wise…
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Islamabad Warns Smoke-Emitting Vehicle Owners of Strict Crackdown
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) on Sunday issued a stern warning to owners of smoke-emitting vehicles, announcing a strict enforcement drive across the federal capital to curb rising vehicular pollution. Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zaib Ali said the agency has intensified inspections on major roads, intersections and high-traffic corridors to identify vehicles releasing excessive emissions. Offenders will face on-the-spot fines, possible confiscation of vehicles, or both, depending on the severity of the violation. Calling vehicular smoke a major contributor to declining air quality and recurring smog episodes, Ms…
Read MoreBorder Closure with Afghanistan Disrupts Key Pakistani Exports, Industries Brace for Losses
KARACHI: The prolonged closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border since Oct 11 amid heightened bilateral tensions has severely disrupted trade flows, choking crucial exports and straining supply chains across multiple sectors. Stakeholders report a mix of economic setbacks and temporary advantages, while analysts warn that a continued deadlock could deepen pressure on Pakistan’s export-oriented industries. Some experts, however, note that the halt may slow the influx of smuggled goods into Pakistan. Cement and Coal Supplies Hit HardA major cement manufacturer said the suspension of cross-border movement has halted Afghan coal imports…
Read MorePetrol, Diesel Prices Reduced for Next Two Weeks
The federal government on Sunday announced a reduction in petroleum prices for the upcoming fortnight, lowering petrol by Rs2 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs4.79 per litre. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the new prices—effective December 1—set HSD at Rs279.65 per litre and petrol at Rs263.45 per litre. The revision follows recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). HSD, widely used in heavy transport, agriculture machinery, and freight movement, has a direct bearing on inflation, influencing the cost of food items and…
Read MorePakistan’s Leaders Unite to Shape Climate-Resilient Cities at IGHD Annual Conference 2025
Karachi, November 29, 2025 —The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) convened Pakistan’s foremost architects, urban planners, public health experts, development leaders, and government officials to tackle one of the nation’s most urgent challenges: redesigning homes, neighbourhoods, and public systems to withstand accelerating climate risks. Held in partnership with Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Pakistan and led by Professor Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Founding Director of IGHD, the Annual Conference on Climate Change and the Built Environment focused on the theme “Promoting Resilience & Adaptation in Low-Income…
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