Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed authorities to speed up work on several major development projects in Karachi, setting clear deadlines for their completion and warning that delays or poor quality construction will not be tolerated.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s House, Murad Ali Shah conducted early morning visits to multiple infrastructure sites across the city on Sunday. During the inspections, he reviewed the pace of construction work and instructed officials to ensure that all projects are completed with both speed and quality.
The chief minister said the provincial government’s priority is to restore smooth traffic flow and provide safe, reliable infrastructure to the people of Karachi. He noted that Shahrah e Bhutto and the Red Line corridor are among the city’s most important transport routes and must be completed without unnecessary delays.
Murad Ali Shah announced that the Bhutto Expressway would be opened for traffic before Eid, describing the project as a “gift” for the citizens of Karachi. He also directed that all mixed traffic lanes along the Red Line corridor be completed within two months.
During the visit, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin and TransKarachi CEO Zubair Channa briefed the chief minister on the progress of work and implementation of earlier instructions. Officials informed him that repair, patchwork and rehabilitation work on mixed traffic lanes was already underway, while road widening had also started through adjustments to New Jersey barriers.
The chief minister expressed concern over recurring waterlogging problems on key routes and directed the relevant departments to prepare a permanent solution. He also ordered that construction work be carried out in multiple shifts so that delays are reduced and inconvenience to commuters is minimised.
Reviewing progress on the Shahrah-e-Bhutto project, officials informed Murad Ali Shah that nearly 93 percent of the 38 kilometre corridor from Jam Sadiq Interchange to M-9 Kathore Interchange had been completed. They added that the remaining work is expected to be finished within the coming weeks.
The chief minister also ordered the immediate resumption of work on the Mosamiyat Flyover, saying that funds and resources would be provided for the project. He said the flyover is important for reducing traffic pressure on University Road and improving mobility in the surrounding areas.
Murad Ali Shah further reviewed work on the Munawar Chowrangi Underpass, which is being developed to improve connectivity between Kamran Chowrangi and Gulistan e Jauhar. He instructed authorities to accelerate construction and complete the project as soon as possible.
Separately, the chief minister inspected the Azeempura Flyover in Shah Faisal Colony and directed that the project be completed within 90 days. The flyover is expected to support signal-free traffic movement towards Jinnah Terminal and nearby areas.
Officials also briefed the chief minister on the Pehlwan Goth Road project. The project includes the construction of a dual carriageway, drainage and sewerage systems, and LED street lighting to improve road infrastructure and civic facilities in the area.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Karachi’s citizen run community library ‘Kitab Ghar’ has been pulled back from the brink of closure following an extraordinary wave of public support, as donations poured in rapidly and surpassed the required fundraising target within minutes.
The library management had earlier issued an urgent appeal, warning that rising rent costs were threatening the continuation of operations at its current location. Approximately Rs 500,000 was required to cover relocation expenses and ensure the library’s survival.
However, the appeal triggered an overwhelming response from supporters across Pakistan and abroad. Contributions were received through various local payment channels as well as international platforms, ranging from modest donations of Rs 500 to significant contributions as high as $1,350. According to the organisers, the initial fundraising target was achieved in just 53 minutes, and the total amount was subsequently tripled within three days.
The management described the response as unprecedented, noting that the surge of public support has provided immediate financial relief and strengthened the library’s operational stability. They also confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the landlord after an unnamed supporter intervened, raising the possibility that ‘Kitab Ghar’ may continue operating at its current premises for an additional 11 months.
While long term arrangements are still being explored, the library team said efforts are underway to secure a more sustainable location to ensure uninterrupted services in the future.
With the immediate threat of closure eased, the organisers are now focusing on maintaining engagement with their growing community of supporters. They also indicated plans for upcoming initiatives aimed at sustaining the library’s operations.
Expressing gratitude, the management credited citizens for safeguarding the library’s future, at least in the short term, stating that the collective effort had ensured ‘Kitab Ghar’ would continue serving the public.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has extended a formal invitation to Uzbek investors to explore Pakistan’s diverse investment landscape, particularly in Sindh, underscoring the province’s vast economic potential across multiple sectors.
He made these remarks during a meeting with an Uzbek business delegation led by Governor of Navoi Region Normat Tursanov at the Governor House on Saturday. The meeting was also attended by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, Chairman Businessmen Group Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, and Sohail Moten.
The Sindh Governor highlighted that the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) offers promising prospects for foreign investors, especially in manufacturing, logistics, energy, textile, and agriculture sectors. He assured the delegation that the government is committed to providing full facilitation and a business friendly environment within economic zones to attract international investment.
Emphasizing Karachi’s role as Pakistan’s economic hub, the Governor stressed the importance of strengthening trade linkages between Karachi and Uzbekistan’s Navoi region. He noted that enhanced cooperation could unlock new avenues for trade and industrial collaboration between the two regions.
During the meeting, Governor Normat Tursanov congratulated Nehal Hashmi on assuming office and extended an invitation to visit Navoi Region, including Tashkent, which was warmly accepted. He also pointed to Navoi’s rich historical heritage and tourism potential, proposing greater cultural exchanges, business forums, and joint ventures between the two countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties. They also discussed improving connectivity, noting that while direct flights from Uzbekistan to Lahore and Islamabad are already operational, there is a strong desire to initiate direct air links to Karachi to facilitate trade and travel.
Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev highlighted the growing trade relations, stating that Uzbek businesses are already importing pharmaceutical, surgical, sports, textile, and leather goods from Pakistan. He noted a strong demand in Uzbekistan for Pakistani livestock, particularly sheep and goats, as well as fresh fruits.
He further revealed that more than 3,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in universities across Uzbekistan, reflecting growing people to people connections. Additionally, Uzbekistan’s trade volume has witnessed a steady 7 percent growth over the past four years.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to enhance support for the business community and take concrete steps to increase bilateral trade volume, signaling a renewed push towards stronger economic and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.