Hyderabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has introduced a redesigned electricity bill aimed at making billing information clearer, more accessible and easier for consumers to understand.
According to HESCO, information on the new bill has been reorganised and presented in a more structured format, enabling consumers to better understand their outstanding dues, electricity consumption, payment details and other important billing information.
The redesigned bill also includes a QR code that consumers can scan to quickly access essential account information, including their reference number, consumer ID and payment related details.
The new layout reduces visual complexity and places key information more prominently, allowing consumers to identify the payable amount and review their electricity consumption without navigating through a cluttered bill.
HESCO said the initiative is intended to make the billing system more transparent, informative and consumer friendly. The redesigned format forms part of broader efforts to improve service delivery and provide electricity consumers with clearer access to billing information.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has decided to expand its panic button project to further strengthen security arrangements for Chinese nationals living and working across the province.
Under the initiative, a modern emergency alert system will be installed at Chinese residential compounds, accommodation facilities and project sites, enabling occupants to immediately notify the relevant authorities in the event of a security threat or other emergency.
Officials said pressing the panic button would instantly transmit an emergency alert to the concerned law enforcement agencies, helping improve inter agency coordination and reduce response times during critical incidents.
As part of the expansion, the Special Protection Unit, which is responsible for providing security to Chinese nationals, will also be equipped with panic button technology to enhance its operational capacity and emergency response capabilities.
In the first phase, QR code enabled panic buttons will be installed at more than 200 Chinese linked residential and project locations across Lahore.
Authorities said the technology would enable security agencies to respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies while further strengthening protection measures for Chinese citizens and strategically important project sites.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority said work was also underway to further upgrade the emergency alert system as part of broader efforts to improve security arrangements for Chinese nationals residing in the province.

Madinah | ReNews International Desk News
The World Health Organization has reaccredited Madinah as a Healthy City for the second time, placing it among the Middle East’s largest cities recognised for meeting international urban health and quality of life standards.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Madinah renewed its accreditation after successfully meeting 80 comprehensive WHO criteria covering health, environmental conditions, urban services, safety and community participation.
Madinah has been recognised as the second largest Healthy City in the Middle East, while WHO has also designated Jeddah and Madinah as the first Mega Healthy Cities in its Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Despite having a population of more than two million, Madinah met stringent standards relating to public health, environmental cleanliness, nutrition, safety, community engagement and coordination among government and local institutions.
Under the Healthy Cities Programme, cities are assessed on measures including sanitation, clean water, primary healthcare, public spaces, environmental protection, community participation and the promotion of healthier lifestyles.
The renewed accreditation reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts under Vision 2030 to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, shift greater attention from treatment to prevention and integrate public health considerations into urban planning and governance.
Saudi authorities said the recognition further strengthens Madinah’s international position as a clean, safe, sustainable and people-centred city serving its local population as well as millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and other visitors arriving from around the world.
With Madinah’s accreditation, Saudi Arabia now has 16 WHO-recognised Healthy Cities, collectively home to nearly nine million people.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the progress of the province’s 2025 26 plantation campaign, saying barren land is being transformed into green forests and the plantation of more than 50 million trees marks the beginning of a green revolution.
In a message posted on X, the Chief Minister said Punjab would increasingly be recognised as a province of forests, clean air and rivers. She described the two-year plantation campaign as a major environmental achievement in the province’s history.
According to figures shared by the Chief Minister, more than 50 million trees have been planted across over 54,000 acres of land throughout Punjab. A total of 3,085 rows of trees have also been developed in different parts of the province.
She said thousands of acres of barren land were converted into green landscapes between October 2024 and June 2025. Plantation and forest restoration activities were carried out across a wide geographical area, extending from Bahawalpur to Dera Ghazi Khan, Murree to Muzaffargarh, Chichawatni to Faisalabad and Rahim Yar Khan to Gujranwala.
According to the provincial government’s data, more than 1.8 million trees were planted across 1,500 acres at Ghazi Ghat in Muzaffargarh, while 559,000 trees were planted over 2,091 acres in Thal Maksi.
More than 700,000 trees were planted across 1,470 acres in the Khanani area of Muzaffargarh, while approximately 250,000 trees were planted on 200 acres at Phakowal in Gujrat.
The Chief Minister said the forest restoration programme was being expanded to Lal Sohanra, Mianwali, Gujranwala, Murree and other areas. Additional barren land is expected to be converted into forested landscapes under the next phase of the campaign.
She described plantation as a gift for future generations and said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to developing a greener, healthier and environmentally sustainable Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz said advanced technology was being used to protect provincial forests against illegal tree cutting, encroachments and fires. Forests and plantation sites are being monitored through the Punjab Forest Department’s Geographic Information System laboratory.
Artificial intelligence enabled drones and satellite imagery are also being used at a command and control centre to monitor forest areas and identify potential threats.
The digital monitoring system uses satellite technologies including Landsat, Sentinel, SPOT and WorldView. According to the Chief Minister, these systems enable the authorities to promptly detect illegal logging, forest land encroachments and incidents of fire.
She said forests were a national asset and their protection was essential to securing Punjab’s green future. The Chief Minister also urged citizens to plant trees and participate in the campaign to leave a healthier and greener province for future generations.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
According to scientific estimates, the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old. In comparison, the history of human civilisation and organised urban life is remarkably brief. Humanity spent a large part of its existence hunting, gathering food and living in temporary shelters. However, the emergence of agriculture, access to permanent water sources and the need for collective security gradually encouraged people to settle in one place.
These permanent settlements slowly developed into villages, trading centres and eventually major cities.
The earliest urban communities were not limited to residential structures. Defensive walls, places of worship, markets, storage facilities, roads, irrigation systems and administrative buildings began to emerge. Cities were therefore transformed from simple places of residence into centres of economic activity, political authority, religious influence and social organisation.
Jericho: An Early Permanent Settlement and Fortified Community
Ancient Jericho, also known as Tell es-Sultan, is located in the Jordan Valley in Palestine and is considered one of the oldest known permanent human settlements in the world. Evidence of human activity at the site dates back to around 10,500 BC, while by the ninth and eighth millennia BC, it had developed into a substantial permanent community.
Archaeological discoveries have revealed evidence of a defensive wall, a surrounding ditch and a tall stone tower. These structures suggest that the people of Jericho had not only adopted a settled way of life but had also developed an understanding of collective defence, construction planning and water management.
The permanent spring of Ain es-Sultan is widely believed to have been the principal reason for the settlement’s establishment and long-term survival.
Jericho is particularly significant because it displays some of the earliest urban features that later became the foundation of city planning: access to water, defensive boundaries, communal buildings and a centrally organised population.
Ur: Mesopotamia’s Organised Urban Centre
Located in southern Iraq, Ur was one of the most prominent Sumerian cities of ancient Mesopotamia. Along with Uruk and Eridu, it developed in the lower Tigris-Euphrates region during the fourth and third millennia BC and became part of one of the world’s earliest urban civilisations.
The presence of residential districts, temples, administrative structures, markets and the monumental Ziggurat of Ur indicates that the city possessed an organised economy alongside established religious and political authority.
Ur experienced periods of prosperity, destruction and resettlement, but its surviving remains continue to demonstrate the architectural skill and urban planning expertise of Mesopotamian civilisation.
Rivers played a fundamental role in the growth of cities such as Ur. Water supported agriculture and transportation, while increased agricultural production generated the resources required for trade, craftsmanship and permanent construction.
Troy: A Fortified City and Meeting Point of Civilisations
Troy was located at Hisarlik in north-western Türkiye, not in modern Greece. Archaeological evidence shows several successive periods of settlement at the site, with its urban history spanning approximately 4,000 years.
Troy’s earliest defensive wall was constructed around 3000 BC. In later periods, the settlement developed a fortified citadel, palaces, administrative buildings and an extensive lower city.
Its geographic location placed it at a strategic point between Anatolia, the Aegean Sea and the Balkans, enabling it to become an important centre of trade and cultural interaction.
Troy gained global fame through Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. Archaeological discoveries, however, demonstrate that it was not merely a legendary location but a genuine urban centre that was repeatedly built, destroyed and resettled.
Heliopolis: The Religious City of the Sun God
Ancient Heliopolis, situated in the modern Cairo districts of Ain Shams and Matariya, was one of ancient Egypt’s oldest and most influential religious centres.
The city was a major centre for the worship of the sun gods Ra and Atum and was closely associated with important ancient Egyptian beliefs about the creation of the universe.
Its great solar temple, religious scholarship and royal ceremonies gave Heliopolis exceptional importance. Many of its obelisks and stone monuments were later relocated to other parts of Egypt and the Roman world. As a result, only a limited portion of its original urban grandeur survives today.
Heliopolis demonstrates that the growth of ancient cities did not depend solely on trade or military strength. Religious institutions also played a fundamental role in shaping land use, architecture, education and political authority.
Corinth: A Commercial Centre at the Crossroads of Land and Sea
Ancient Corinth was established on the narrow strip of land connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. This strategic position allowed the city to influence both overland transportation and maritime trade between the Aegean and Ionian seas.
Corinth developed significantly because of its ports, markets, craftsmanship and international commerce. The city faced destruction and reconstruction during different historical periods, but its geographical importance repeatedly helped it re-emerge as a major economic and urban centre.
The history of Corinth shows that in the ancient world, land located at the intersection of major trading routes was as important to urban growth and property value as land near highways, ports and transport hubs is today.
Rome: From a Small Settlement to the Capital of a Vast Empire
According to Roman tradition, Rome was founded by Romulus in 753 BC. Historians, however, generally regard the story of Romulus and Remus as a foundation myth rather than a fully verified historical account.
Initially composed of hilltop communities near the River Tiber, Rome gradually developed into an organised city and later became the capital of a vast empire.
Its roads, bridges, aqueducts, public baths, marketplaces, temples and multi-storey residential buildings transformed Roman urban planning into a model for future civilisations.
The rise of Rome illustrates that the strength of a major urban centre does not rest solely in its buildings. It also depends on infrastructure, law, administrative institutions and transportation networks connecting different regions.
Byzantium: A City at the Crossroads of Three Continents
Byzantium was founded by Greek settlers in the seventh century BC on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. Its location placed it between Europe and Asia and along the maritime route linking the Black Sea with the Mediterranean.
Roman Emperor Constantine later transformed it into the imperial capital of Constantinople. Following the Ottoman conquest, the city, now known as Istanbul, became one of the world’s most important political, commercial and cultural centres.
The history of Byzantium provides a powerful example of how an exceptional geographic location can determine the value of urban land, defensive importance, commercial influence and long-term political status.
Cairo: From a Fatimid Capital to a Centre of Islamic Architecture
Cairo was formally founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid military commander Jawhar al-Siqilli on the orders of Caliph al-Muizz li-Din Allah.
The new city was established near the existing settlements of Fustat and al-Qata’i and became the capital of the Fatimid Caliphate.
Construction of Al-Azhar Mosque also began during this period. It later developed into one of the most important centres of Islamic learning.
With its numerous mosques, religious schools, markets, fortifications and residential neighbourhoods, Cairo eventually became known as the “City of a Thousand Minarets”.
Cairo’s urban history is a story of continuous expansion, with successive rulers adding new neighbourhoods, defensive structures, religious institutions and commercial centres alongside the older city.
Oslo: Rebuilt According to a New Urban Plan After a Devastating Fire
Norway’s capital, Oslo, emerged as a trading settlement during the middle of the 11th century.
Following a major fire in 1624, the city was rebuilt near Akershus Fortress according to a new urban plan. It was renamed Christiania after King Christian IV.
The spelling of the name was later changed, while the historic name Oslo was officially restored in 1925. The original material incorrectly stated that the name was restored in 1995; the correct year is 1925.
Oslo’s reconstruction represents an important example of how disasters can create opportunities for improved urban planning. After the fire, the city was redesigned with greater attention to street layouts, construction materials and defensive requirements.
Moscow: From a Fortified Settlement to the Russian Capital
The earliest written reference to Moscow dates to 1147. It initially developed as a small fortified settlement along the Moskva River.
Its location, commercial activity, defensive importance and role in the unification of surrounding Russian territories gradually transformed it into a powerful political centre.
Moscow suffered extensive damage from Mongol invasions, warfare and repeated fires. A large portion of the city was destroyed during the arrival of Napoleon’s forces in 1812, after which it underwent extensive reconstruction throughout the 19th century.
Moscow’s history shows that the survival of cities does not depend solely on their original construction. Continuous rebuilding of infrastructure, administrative institutions and residential districts after destruction is equally important to urban continuity.
Jamestown: The First Permanent English Settlement in North America
It would be historically inaccurate to describe Jamestown as the first human settlement in the world or even in North America, as Indigenous peoples had lived across the continent for thousands of years.
Jamestown’s historical importance lies in the fact that it was established in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London as the first permanent English settlement in North America.
Settlers arrived aboard three ships — the Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery — and established a fort and settlement along the James River.
Despite disease, poor-quality water, food shortages and conflict with Indigenous communities, the settlement survived and later became an important centre of the English colonial system.
From Ancient Cities to Modern Urban Planning
Jericho, Ur, Troy, Heliopolis, Corinth, Rome, Byzantium, Cairo, Oslo, Moscow and Jamestown belong to different historical periods and civilisations. However, several common factors shaped their development.
Water resources, fertile land, defensible locations, trading routes, religious institutions and political authority formed the foundations of their growth.
Cities that successfully adapted their buildings, roads and economic functions to changing conditions were repeatedly rebuilt and resettled despite wars, disasters and destruction.
These historic cities also offer fundamental lessons for modern real estate development and urban planning. A city’s long-term sustainability does not depend solely on tall buildings or the scale of construction.
It emerges from a balanced relationship between water, transportation, employment, social institutions, security and the local environment.
The surviving remains of settlements established thousands of years ago continue to remind us that cities are not simply collections of bricks and stones. They are living expressions of human necessity, collective memory and continuous reconstruction.

London | ReNews International Desk News
A historic residence in Richmond, southwest London, associated with Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan and his former wife Jemima Khan, has been placed on the market with an asking price of £25 million.
Known as Ormeley Lodge, the detached 10 bedroom property is situated on Ham Common in Richmond, close to the renowned Richmond Park. Its location and historic character make it one of the notable luxury residential properties in the British capital.
According to the report, Imran Khan lived at the house with Jemima Khan and her mother, Lady Annabel Goldsmith, during his marriage. He continued to use the property as his regular London residence for several years after his divorce from Jemima.
A source close to the Goldsmith family confirmed that the property was placed on the market following the death of Jemima Khan’s mother, Lady Annabel Goldsmith, in October 2025.
During his visits to London, Imran Khan frequently met Pakistani politicians, media representatives and close associates at the residence. Political consultations and informal meetings were also regularly held at Ormeley Lodge.
The house reportedly remained Imran Khan’s principal London base until around 2014. It is believed that his final stay at the property took place during that period. He reportedly did not use the residence again after his subsequent marriages to Reham Khan and later Bushra Bibi.
The listing of Ormeley Lodge has drawn attention in Britain’s luxury real estate market because of its high asking price, historic significance and long association with one of Pakistan’s most prominent political figures.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Sindh government, in coordination with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, has set June 2027 as the target for completing five major road infrastructure projects across the province. The projects, being implemented under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), carry a revised combined cost of PKR 140.91 billion and are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and accelerate economic growth throughout Sindh.
The completion timeline was finalized during a high level review meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, where progress on federally funded road schemes was assessed in the presence of members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, led by Chairman Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, along with provincial ministers and senior government officials.
According to officials, the revised cost of the five projects has reached PKR 140.91 billion, with the federal government contributing PKR 96.75 billion under the PSDP, while the Sindh government will finance PKR 44.15 billion.
The projects include the 36-kilometre Sindh Coastal Highway Extension, the 150-kilometre Mehran Highway, the 31.4 kilometre Tando Allahyar Tando Adam Dual Carriageway, the 135-kilometre Sanghar/Rohri Road (Nawabshah/Ranipur Dualisation) and the 221 kilometre Rohri/Guddu Road. These strategic road corridors are expected to strengthen transportation networks, reduce travel time and improve access between key commercial, industrial and rural areas of the province.
Officials informed the meeting that construction activities are progressing on all five projects. Work on the Sindh Coastal Highway Extension officially commenced after the issuance of the work order in June 2026, while asphalt base construction has already been completed on 44 kilometres of the Mehran Highway.
Construction is also advancing on the Tando Allahyar/Tando Adam Dual Carriageway, although relocation of utility services, shifting of transmission lines and pending approvals from Pakistan Railways continue to pose implementation challenges. Meanwhile, work is ongoing on the Sanghar/Rohri Road, while widening and base construction have been completed on major sections of the Rohri/Guddu Road, where asphalt laying is expected to begin shortly.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that modern road infrastructure plays a vital role in strengthening connectivity, facilitating commercial activity and promoting long term economic development across Sindh.
He described the projects as more than conventional road schemes, stating that they would serve as economic corridors linking different regions of the province, encouraging trade, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for businesses and local communities.
The chief minister directed all relevant departments to resolve outstanding issues relating to utility relocation, regulatory clearances and project financing on a priority basis. He also stressed the importance of the timely release of federal PSDP funds to ensure uninterrupted construction and achieve the June 2027 completion target.
Officials expressed confidence that with continued coordination between the federal and provincial governments, the projects would significantly enhance Sindh's transport infrastructure, improve logistics and support sustainable economic growth across the province.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided in principle to launch the “Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar” programme as a major initiative to improve the safety of residential buildings across the province in the wake of the Kahna tragedy.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed that financial assistance be provided to households with weak, dilapidated or unsafe roofs to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
A special meeting chaired by the chief minister reviewed the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” and “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” programmes in detail. The meeting decided to expand the existing housing initiative by introducing two new financial assistance categories under the “Apna Ghar, Mehfooz Ghar” programme.
According to the proposals presented in the meeting, interest free loans of up to Rs 500,000 will be provided for the repair, rehabilitation and safety improvement of weak, dilapidated or unsafe homes. Citizens who want to construct an additional floor on their existing houses will be eligible for interest free loans of up to Rs1 million, repayable in easy instalments.
The chief minister also ordered the release of the second tranche of the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme within three days and directed officials to make the loan process even easier so that more deserving families can benefit from the facility.
The meeting was informed that 134,343 houses have so far been completed across Punjab under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme, while interest free loans have been approved for more than 180,000 families. According to the briefing, around 170,000 families have already received loans, and more than 27,500 houses are in the final stages of completion.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme and all related initiatives are flagship projects of the Punjab government, adding that negligence or delay will not be tolerated. She said the government would support citizens whose homes are unsafe or whose roofs are weak, stressing that good governance is reflected not in statements but in practical action.
Progress on the “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” programme was also reviewed during the meeting. Officials informed participants that 2,000 homeless families in 23 districts have already been given free residential plots, and they will also be provided interest free loans for house construction.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the computerized balloting process under the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” programme to allot state owned cultivable agricultural land to 30,000 landless and deserving families across the province.
According to the Punjab government, the scheme will provide successful families with access to farmland, along with financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per acre and technical support for cultivation. Families allotted four acres will receive a total of Rs 200,000 to help prepare the land for farming.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz spoke by phone with Abdul Sattar, a successful applicant from Faisalabad, and congratulated him on securing land through the programme.
The chief minister said the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” programme was launched on April 22 and received around 60,000 applications. She said computerized balloting has now been completed for nearly 29,000 plots.
Maryam Nawaz added that around 11,000 women also applied for the programme, while all applicants were given an opportunity to file appeals before the final draw.
According to the Punjab government, allotment letters will be issued within a week, while possession of the land is expected to be handed over by July 31.
Speaking at the ceremony in Lahore, the chief minister said the initiative aims to lease 121,000 acres of government-owned cultivable land to landless families for a 20 year term at a symbolic annual rent of Rs100 per acre.
She said the programme is designed to improve livelihoods, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen the rural economy by giving landless families access to farmland. The government, she added, wants to provide deserving families with an opportunity for dignified employment and economic self reliance.

HongKong | ReNews International Desk News

As cities across the world face rising populations, housing shortages and growing pressure on land, some residential buildings have expanded far beyond the idea of a traditional apartment block. These buildings operate almost like vertical towns, housing thousands of residents under one roof.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court, during the hearing of a case, made strong observations about the role of the revenue authority, stating that arbitrary practices exist within the department and that a patwari can write multiple reports according to people’s wishes.
The court observed that the revenue authority does not correct itself. Later, the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court disposed of a petition against alleged interference in the possession of leased land in light of a report submitted by the CPO Gujranwala.
During the hearing, the court remarked that the police must examine the matter only within the limits of their jurisdiction, while civil disputes fall within the domain of civil courts. The court made it clear that the Lahore High Court was not deciding the ownership of the property.
Petitioner’s counsel Maqsood Butter argued that a civil judge had already issued a stay order in favour of the petitioner. He submitted that the petitioner had leased 84 acres of land in Nowshera Virkan from overseas Pakistani owners for 15 years, but local influential persons were allegedly trying to dispossess the petitioner through the police.
The counsel further told the court that despite complaints, the police were allegedly supporting the influential individuals. He requested the court to restrain the police from interfering in the petitioner’s possession.
In his report, CPO Gujranwala Dr. Sardar Ghiyas stated that the police had cancelled the case, written to the IG for action against the relevant DSP, and charge sheeted the concerned SHO.
The court questioned under what law the FIR had been registered when the Lahore High Court had already granted a stay order. It also expressed displeasure over the DSP changing his statement and remarked that in what capacity the DSP had said that no one should enter the land.
Subsequently, the court disposed of the petition in light of the report submitted by the CPO Gujranwala.

Swat | ReNews Pakistan
The Swat District Administration, in coordination with the Swat Development Authority (SDA), has sealed several illegally operated zipline facilities at some of the district's most visited tourist destinations after inspections revealed that the operators were functioning without the mandatory No Objection Certificates (NoCs).
The enforcement action was carried out during a joint inspection campaign across key tourist locations, including Mahodand Lake, Saifullah Lake, Chashma Shafa Aabshar and other recreational sites known for attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors during the peak tourism season.
According to officials, the inspection teams found that multiple zipline operators had established and were operating adventure tourism facilities without obtaining the legally required approvals from the relevant authorities. The absence of valid NoCs and regulatory clearances prompted officials to immediately seal the installations to prevent further public use.
The district administration stated that the move forms part of a wider initiative to strengthen oversight of adventure tourism activities and ensure that all recreational facilities operating in Swat comply with applicable legal, technical and public safety requirements.
Authorities have instructed the affected operators not to resume operations until they obtain all mandatory permissions and demonstrate full compliance with the prescribed safety, security and operational standards. Officials emphasized that protecting the lives of tourists remains the government's foremost priority and that no commercial adventure activity will be permitted to operate without meeting regulatory requirements.
The administration further noted that inspections of tourism-related facilities will continue across the district to identify unauthorized operations and ensure that adventure tourism develops in a safe, regulated and sustainable manner. Officials warned that strict legal action will be taken against operators found violating government regulations or compromising public safety.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Cabinet Division, one of the federal government’s most important administrative bodies working directly under the Prime Minister, has formally distanced itself from a housing society using its name, raising fresh concerns over real estate projects associated with government sounding titles.
In an official disclaimer, the Cabinet Division clarified that a housing society registered as “Cabinet Division Employees Cooperative Housing Society” is using the name of Cabinet Division in a manner that may create a false and misleading impression that the society is owned, managed, sponsored or otherwise linked with the Cabinet Division or the Government of Pakistan.
The statement made it clear that the Cabinet Division has no administrative, financial, legal, operational or any other connection with the said housing society or with any other housing society.
The clarification carries significance because the Cabinet Division is a central organ of the federal government, functioning directly under the Prime Minister and responsible for coordination of key cabinet and state affairs.
Real estate observers say several housing societies across Pakistan have used names linked to federal ministries, divisions, government departments, law enforcement bodies, public sector organisations and other institutions. Such names often create an impression among citizens and investors that these projects have official backing or institutional protection.
Analysts believe this perception has influenced investment decisions for years, as many buyers consider housing schemes carrying government related names safer than ordinary private projects.
Following the Cabinet Division’s clarification, citizens have been advised to verify the legal status, approvals, ownership, management structure and regulatory record of any housing scheme before making an investment decision.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin chaired an important meeting on the expansion of the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme, reviewing its scope, loan mechanism and targets for the next financial year.
Noorul Amin Mengal and PHATA Director General Sikandar Zeeshan briefed the meeting on the structure of the programme, progress achieved so far and the proposed expansion plan.
Housing Minister Bilal Yasin said loans under the programme would be provided on an interest free basis through a low cost and transparent mechanism. He said citizens would be able to obtain loans ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million through an e portal for constructing a new portion, repairing a house or laying a roof.
He said the programme was not limited to the construction of new houses, as it would also support the repair of dilapidated homes and improvement of basic residential facilities for low income families.
The meeting was informed that interest free loans have so far been issued to 170,000 families under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme. Bilal Yasin expressed the commitment that another 100,000 families would be provided interest free loans for house construction during the next financial year.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
With the support of the Green Pakistan Initiative, barren land is being converted into cultivable farmland through modern corporate farming, marking an important step toward agricultural development, rural economic revival and export growth in Pakistan.
According to Arsalan Alawala, representative of Techno Agri and Foods, land reforms under the Green Pakistan Initiative have provided corporate groups with an opportunity to contribute to the revival of the rural economy.
He said Techno Agri and Foods has started corporate farming on 950 acres near Khushab and Mianwali. The project aims to make uncultivated land productive through modern farming methods and increase agricultural output in the country.
Arsalan Alawala said the company’s key objective is to transform Pakistan’s barren lands into cultivable areas and compete with modern agricultural countries. He added that Rhodes grass is being cultivated on a 260 acre block through a central pivot irrigation system, with exports expected to help generate valuable foreign exchange.
He said the existing 950 acre pilot project is planned to be expanded to 5,000 acres and beyond. According to him, the Green Pakistan Initiative has allowed corporate groups to take part in the rural economy, which could add significant long term value to Pakistan.
Experts believe that the Green Pakistan Initiative, through modern agricultural technology, corporate investment and productive use of barren land, can open new avenues for agricultural growth in Pakistan.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency has launched Pakistan’s first skimming boat to remove floating plastic waste from canals and rivers, marking a major step in the province’s campaign against plastic pollution.
According to officials, the pilot project will begin operations in the Lahore Canal, where a front-mounted collection system installed on the boat will gather plastic bags, bottles and other floating waste. The initiative is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the technology before expanding it to other waterways across Punjab.
The announcement was made during a seminar in Lahore held to mark Plastic Bag Free Day. Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Kanwal Liaqat and EPA Punjab Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating single-use plastic and protecting the environment.
According to EPA Punjab, more than 50,000 businesses have pledged to stop using banned plastic bags. Enforcement teams have confiscated over 600,000 kilograms of prohibited plastic and imposed fines exceeding Rs20 million on violators.
Officials said the province will continue strengthening its anti-plastic campaign through technology-based monitoring, stricter enforcement and implementation of the Punjab Plastic Management Strategy 2023. They also urged citizens and businesses to support efforts to make Punjab a plastic-free and environmentally sustainable province.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The government’s claim of reducing circular debt in the power sector has been termed misleading, as a new report says the debt has increased instead of declining during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2026.
According to a report issued by the Economic Policy and Business Development Think Tank, refinancing and recycling have not actually reduced circular debt. Instead, the debt has only been reshaped and temporarily pushed back through financial adjustments.
The report states that during the first 10 months of fiscal year 2026, new circular debt in the power sector increased by Rs 240 billion, taking the total to Rs 1,854 billion.
It further says that government institutions have shown a 23 percent reduction in the overall circular debt of the power sector, but this reduction appears to be the result of financial adjustment and refinancing rather than a real solution to the structural problem.
According to the think tank, expensive power purchase agreements, heavy capacity charges and the weak performance of electricity distribution companies remain the main reasons behind the power sector deficit.
The report added that finance adjustments are being used to temporarily suppress circular debt, but the continued rise in new debt shows that the financial crisis in the power sector remains unresolved.
Experts say sustainable reduction in circular debt will not be possible unless the government addresses power generation costs, capacity payments, line losses, bill recovery and governance issues in distribution companies.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Pakistan Cricket Board has signed a strategic agreement with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation to develop a new modern cricket stadium in Jeddah.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud. The agreement is being described as the first formal strategic partnership of its kind between the two cricket boards.
Under the agreement, Pakistan will support the development of a modern cricket stadium in Jeddah with facilities designed to meet international standards. The project will include international standard playing surfaces, broadcast and media infrastructure, hospitality areas, training facilities and spectator services.
According to the PCB, the venue will be developed in line with ICC requirements, allowing Saudi Arabia to host international matches and major cricket events in the future.
The agreement goes beyond the construction of a single venue. Both boards will also work together on wider cricket infrastructure development, stadium planning, technical support and operational standards as Saudi Arabia seeks to build a stronger long term base for the sport.
The initiative is also aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase investment in sports, promote sports tourism, encourage public participation and improve quality of life.
Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud welcomed the agreement and said the collaboration would extend beyond the stadium itself. He said the partnership would help lay the foundation for the long term growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Electric vehicle owners travelling on the M 2 Motorway can now access ultrafast charging stations at multiple service areas following the launch of a new EV charging network. According to the announcement, ultrafast EV chargers have become operational at Chakri North, Kallar Kahar South, Bhera North and South, and Sial Mor North motorway service areas. Each station is equipped with a 360 KVA fast charger capable of charging up to four electric vehicles at the same time.
Officials say most electric vehicles can be charged in 15 to 20 minutes, significantly reducing waiting time for travellers on long distance routes. The facility is expected to make intercity travel more convenient for EV owners and help address one of the key concerns linked to electric mobility in Pakistan.
The initiative aims to improve charging infrastructure on one of the country’s busiest motorways. Transport sector observers believe the availability of fast charging points on major highways can support wider adoption of electric vehicles by reducing range anxiety among users.
The deployment of these charging stations marks another step in the expansion of Pakistan’s EV infrastructure. It is also being seen as part of the country’s gradual shift toward cleaner transport and more sustainable mobility options.
The launch of ultrafast EV chargers on the M 2 Motorway is an important step for electric mobility in Pakistan. It can increase confidence among EV users on long routes, but the success of the network will depend on power reliability, charging costs, service quality and expansion to other major highways.

New York | ReNews International
The former rent stabilized apartment of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become the center of a fresh housing debate after its rent reportedly rose by 35 percent.
According to media reports, Mamdani’s former one bedroom apartment in Astoria, Queens, was previously rented for about 2300 dollars per month. After he vacated the unit, a new tenant reportedly moved in at 3100 dollars per month, while the apartment remained rent stabilized. New York Post
The case comes shortly after the New York City Rent Guidelines Board approved a rent freeze for about one million rent stabilized apartments. The freeze will apply to leases beginning in October. Reuters
Reports say the freeze applies mainly to lease renewals for existing tenants. However, when an apartment becomes vacant, landlords may still try to set rent for new tenants at the highest level allowed under state rules. Some owners are also considering repairs, new appliances and building improvements as legal ways to raise rents.
Real estate brokers said Mamdani’s former landlord moved quickly to renovate the unit in order to secure a higher rent from a new tenant. Critics argue that the case highlights gaps in New York’s rent policy, while supporters say the rent freeze is necessary to protect tenants struggling with the city’s high cost of living.
The issue has renewed debate over rent regulation, landlord costs, tenant protections and the future of affordable housing in New York City.