Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has accelerated the pace of major infrastructure development across Karachi, setting firm deadlines for the completion of critical transport projects, including the Karachi BRT Red Line and Shahrah e Bhutto corridor.
During early morning visits to several ongoing project sites, the chief minister reviewed progress and directed authorities to ensure both speed and quality in execution. He made it clear that delays or substandard work would not be tolerated, emphasising the government’s commitment to improving urban mobility.
“Our priority is to restore smooth traffic flow and provide safe, reliable infrastructure to the people of Karachi,” Shah said, adding that both the Red Line and Shahrah e Bhutto are vital for the city’s transport network.
He announced that the Bhutto Expressway would be opened to traffic before Eid, describing it as a significant relief measure for commuters. Additionally, he instructed that all mixed-traffic lanes along the Red Line corridor be completed within two months.
Officials, including Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and TransKarachi CEO Zubair Channa, briefed the chief minister on ongoing work. They confirmed that repair, patchwork, and rehabilitation of mixed traffic lanes are underway, alongside road widening through adjustments to New Jersey barriers.
Expressing concern over recurring waterlogging issues, Shah directed authorities to develop a permanent solution and ordered that construction activities be carried out in multiple shifts to ensure timely completion while minimising inconvenience to the public.
On the Shahrah e Bhutto project, officials reported that approximately 93 percent of the 38 a kilometre stretch, from Jam Sadiq Interchange to M-9 Kathore Interchange, has been completed, with the remaining work expected to conclude within weeks.
The chief minister also ordered the immediate resumption of work on the Mosamiyat Flyover, assuring full provision of funds and resources. He noted that the project is crucial for easing congestion along University Road.
Further, Shah reviewed progress on the Munawar Chowrangi Underpass, being constructed to facilitate traffic flow from Kamran Chowrangi towards Gulistan e Jauhar, and directed officials to expedite its completion.
Separately, he inspected the Azeempura Flyover in Shah Faisal Colony and instructed that it be completed within 90 days. The project aims to ensure signal-free movement towards Jinnah Terminal and adjoining areas.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also briefed the chief minister on the Pehlwan Goth Road project, which includes the construction of a dual carriageway, improved drainage and sewerage systems, and installation of LED street lighting.
The renewed push reflects the Sindh government’s broader effort to address Karachi’s long-standing traffic challenges and modernise its urban infrastructure.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has issued new directives concerning commercial plots and buildings.
Following amendments to the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations, authorities have ordered immediate implementation of the revised framework. According to the notification, compliance with the new rules has been made mandatory before the issuance of final construction permits, completion plans, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
After the amendment notification dated February 11, 2026, a fresh directive has been issued by the Additional Director General. The new regulations will apply not only to future cases but also to all pending commercial cases.
Regulations related to parking, plot subdivision, and commercial construction have been further tightened. Fire safety laws have been made more stringent, with mandatory NOCs now required from Civil Defence and the Fire Brigade.
Modern fire-fighting systems have been declared compulsory for public sale, industrial, and amenity projects. In case of violations, action will be taken against the responsible officials under the Service Rules 2016.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
In response to rising temperatures and the ongoing electricity crisis in Karachi, the Sindh government has initiated key measures to provide relief to citizens. A comprehensive strategy is being developed, particularly to facilitate low income communities and the industrial sector.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken a principled decision to supply affordable electricity to underprivileged areas and industrial zones in the city. In this regard, important directives were issued during a meeting with K Electric Chairman Shahryar Chishti at the Chief Minister’s House. The meeting was attended by K Electric CEO Syed Taha, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Energy Secretary Shoaib Ansari, and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister directed the Energy Department and K Electric to jointly conduct a detailed review of a subsidy program for electricity consumers, aiming to provide effective relief to low income groups. He also instructed officials to present viable and sustainable proposals for supplying affordable electricity to the industrial sector.
Murad Ali Shah emphasized that with the onset of summer, residents of underprivileged areas face severe difficulties, making immediate and effective measures essential.
He further directed the relevant authorities to devise a transparent and practical system to ensure that targeted subsidies directly benefit deserving households.