Sindh Province

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), with support from the Sindh government, has established a temporary market comprising over 350 stalls at the Baradari side of Bagh-i-Jinnah (Polo Ground) to assist vendors affected by the recent Gul Plaza tragedy.
The initiative aims to make effective use of available land to quickly restore business activities while providing a convenient and accessible space for both vendors and the public. The setup enables affected vendors to resume sales promptly and helps revive local economic activity.
KMC officials stated that special attention was given to site selection and land management to ensure a safe and organized environment for both vendors and citizens, promoting orderly commerce and efficient utilization of urban space.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Director General KDA Asif Jan Siddiqui has confirmed that the 1.2-kilometer Kareemabad Underpass is expected to open after Eid, likely in April 2026. The project, launched on December 30, 2023, faced delays due to the relocation of K-Electric lines, which temporarily slowed progress.
Originally planned for completion within two years, the underpass’s total cost has now exceeded PKR 3.8 billion. DG Siddiqui emphasized that once operational, the underpass will significantly ease traffic congestion, improve urban mobility, and provide smoother access to surrounding neighborhoods.
KDA teams are closely monitoring construction to ensure timely completion and maximize urban development benefits for residents. The project is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and support Karachi’s growing infrastructure needs.

Thatta: Renews Pakistan
Recent archaeological discoveries in Sindh’s coastal belt have once again highlighted the global historical significance of ancient port settlements in the Indus Delta, even as experts warn that climate change, sea intrusion, and coastal erosion are rapidly threatening the fragile land and heritage sites of the region.
The observations were shared by Dr Stéphane Pradines, head of the Indus Delta Excavation Project, at the conclusion of an excavation campaign in Bhanbore. The project was carried out by the Sindh Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives Department in collaboration with Aga Khan University and international partners from the United Kingdom.
Experts involved in the excavation noted that several historic port settlements in Sindh, including Bhanbore, Keti Bandar, Shah Bandar and Larri Bandar, are facing accelerated land degradation due to climate change impacts, seawater intrusion and continuous shoreline erosion. These developments are not only threatening the visible archaeological remains but also the submerged heritage structures in the delta region.
During the excavation, archaeologists discovered 249 cannonballs at the Jam Jasker site, along with historic inscriptions at the Thamban Wari Mosque and a rare collection of Persian pottery at Larri Bandar. According to experts, these findings reaffirm the strategic maritime and commercial importance of Sindh’s ancient coastal settlements, which once served as vital gateways for regional and international trade.
The conclusion of the excavation coincided with the launch of a mangrove plantation drive aimed at stabilising coastal land and protecting the environment. The initiative was inaugurated by Thatta Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Ali Bhagat and attended by officials from the forest and culture departments, archaeologists, environmental experts and members of the local community.
Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner stressed that mangrove forests act as natural coastal defence systems that help reduce the impact of sea intrusion, storm surges and land erosion. He noted that the restoration of mangroves is essential not only for environmental protection but also for safeguarding historical coastal structures, underwater heritage sites and fragile archaeological remains.
Experts further warned that environmental degradation in the Indus Delta is accelerating due to climate change and rising sea levels. They emphasised that coordinated action by government institutions, conservation experts and local communities is urgently required to protect both the coastal landscape and the historically significant settlements that form a vital part of Sindh’s cultural heritage.