Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry issued a special message on World Wetlands Day, warning that the destruction of wetlands poses a significant threat not only to marine life and fisheries but also to urban coastal communities. He emphasized that wetlands serve as vital ecosystems supporting biodiversity, fisheries, and environmental resilience for cities and towns located near the coast.
Federal Minister highlighted the role of wetlands as natural buffers against flooding, storm surges, and water pollution, which directly affects urban settlements along Pakistan’s coastline. Healthy wetlands reduce vulnerability of coastal cities to environmental hazards, while their degradation increases risks to urban populations, infrastructure, and economic activity.
Pakistan is home to over 240 important wetlands, many of which are adjacent to urban and semi-urban areas. These ecosystems contribute to sustainable livelihoods for fishermen and local communities while also influencing water quality, urban recreation, and climate adaptation strategies in coastal cities.
The minister urged integrated urban planning and community engagement to protect wetland ecosystems. He stressed that safeguarding wetlands is not only crucial for fisheries and biodiversity but also essential for ensuring sustainable urban development, clean coastal environments, and disaster-resilient cities.
His message aligns with broader national efforts to balance urban expansion with environmental protection, highlighting that conservation of wetlands is integral to resilient, livable, and economically vibrant coastal urban areas.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Karachi’s city administration has confirmed that University Road and the Safoora Corridor are expected to reopen by March, as part of ongoing efforts to improve urban mobility and ease congestion along major city arteries. The announcement was made by Sindh information Minister Sharjeel Memon, highlighting the progress of infrastructure upgrades along key transport corridors.
The two phases of Bhutto Highway construction are nearing completion, with structural works, road surfacing, and drainage improvements being finalised to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced safety for commuters. The projects are part of broader urban development initiatives aimed at modernizing the city’s transport network and reducing bottlenecks in densely populated districts.
Authorities said the reopening of University Road and the Safoora Corridor will significantly improve connectivity between residential, commercial, and institutional zones, supporting both daily commuter traffic and freight movement. The upgrades also include pedestrian facilities, traffic management systems, and urban landscaping to enhance road utility and safety. City planners emphasized that completing these corridors is crucial for Karachi’s long-term urban planning objectives, including efficient land use, integrated transport systems, and sustainable management of high-traffic urban zones.
The administration will continue monitoring the roads after reopening to ensure operational efficiency and safety standards.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
In a move aimed at improving urban mobility and reducing pressure on Karachi’s overstretched road network, the city administration has imposed a two-month ban on the operation of three-seater and five-seater rickshaws on 25 major arteries, targeting smoother traffic circulation across key commercial and residential corridors. The restriction, notified by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi on the recommendation of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, will remain in force until February 21, 2026, and has been enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.) with immediate effect.
Officials said the increasing presence of rickshaws on primary roads has been causing bottlenecks, disrupting connectivity between business districts, markets, and densely populated neighbourhoods, and slowing overall vehicle movement, factors that negatively affect economic activity and urban efficiency. The ban covers several of the city’s most strategic routes, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Korangi Road, and other high-traffic corridors that form the backbone of Karachi’s transport and commercial infrastructure.
Authorities believe the temporary restriction will improve travel times, enhance access to trade and retail zones, and support better land use and traffic management while contributing to safer and more organized urban movement.
Traffic police have been directed to strictly enforce the order, and violations may invite legal action as the administration monitors the impact of the measure to assess longer-term planning and mobility reforms for the metropolis.