President, NA Speaker, CM KP condole death of Senate Chairman’s brother 

Islamabad, January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):President Dr. Arif Alvi telephoned Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and expressed condolence over the sad demise of his younger brother, who died in a car accident. The President prayed Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.

National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib, Governor Punjab Muhammad Sarwar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and Special Assistant on Information Barrister Saif have also expressed condolence over sad demise of younger brother of Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani. In a statement in Peshawar on Sunday, they expressed sympathies with the Chairman senate and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Coordination committee take important decisions for uplift of Karachi 

Karachi, January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):The 6th Coordination Committee constitute between Sindh and the federal governments met here at CM House and took important decisions, including establishment of Combined effluent Treatment plants on PPP mode, Augmentation of K-IV to be carried out by the provincial government, the KPT, and other agencies to issue NOCs for Mauripur Expressway and ICI Interchange project and Rangers to vacate Malir Halt and Mousomiyat Depts for launching BRT Red Line.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Planning Mr. Asad Umar, Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin Ul Haque, Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen. Muhammad Saeed, Chief Secretary Mumtaz Shah, Provincial Ministers, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Federal Secretary P,D and SI Aziz Uqaili, Chairman P and D Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Transport Shariq Ahmed, Secretary Local Govt Najam Shah, Secretary MD water Board Asadullah Khan, MD SSWMB Zubair Channa, MC Afzal Zaidi, PD KWISSP Salahuddin and others.

Rehabilitation of Gujar and Orangi Nullahs: The meeting was told that the existing design Parameter, Reduction of Right of Way (RoW) from 30 ft. to 18.5 ft. After completion of an anti-encroachment operation carried out as per NED Survey, fresh Drone Survey of Gujjar and Orangi Nullahs was carried out to establish the latest building line. It was found that in order to achieve 30 ft RoW, anti-encroachment drive in 30 percent and 20 percent of length astride Gujjar and Orangi Nullahs respectively will be required.

The participants of the meeting discussed the matter at length and decided to reduce RoW to 20 feet in which a wall along the nullas would be constructed within 2 feet and 2-lane road would be constructed on 18 feet for vehicular traffic.

Rehabilitation of 25 KMC Nullahs: The local govt department giving update on PC-1 told the meeting that a comprehensive study on 41 KMC Nullahs was carried out by NED University. However, only 25 KMC Nullahs were considered critical, which required immediate rehabilitation.

The chief minister said that it was a Rs2 billion project for which Rs1 billion had already been allocated. The PC-1 of the project has been prepared and sent to the P and D department for approval.

K-IV Project: Update/Progress of the Project Synchronization in Conveyance System and Augmentation Coordination points were discussed between the federal and Sindh governments. During deliberations it was observed that K-IV Project has serious issues and in order to address them, it was decided to develop better coordination between the Center and provincial government for execution of both conveyance systems and augmentation of K-IV.

The meeting was told that revised PC-1 would be placed before ECNEC. The chief minister said that as far as installation of the 50 MW power plant was concerned, he would discuss with his team. However, the meeting decided to direct all the federal government agencies to issue NOCs for the augmentation project of K-IV to be executed by the Sindh government.

Anti-encroachment Encroachment: Briefing about Resettlement Support and Hiring of Machinery Distribution of cheques of resettlement support, 1st and 2nd Tranche, Reconciliation of Expenditure with NDMA the commissioner Karachi said that NDMA has released Rs1.32 billion while the NDMA said that they have released more amount. The commissioner claimed Rs518.713 million in excess expenditures incurred on hiring machineries.

The meeting decided that the Commissioner Karachi and NDMA would sit together to reconcile the expenditures and settle the payment issue within a week.

Solid Waste Management: The CM said that under the new local govt law Mayor of Karachi has been made chairman of the solid waste management board so that proper cleaning of the city could be ensured.

MD SSWM waste management Board Zubair Channa briefing the meeting about the initiatives taken to remove garbage from the city. He said that the cleaning of all the districts of Karachi, except Central have been outsourced to well-reputed foreign firms. The process of handing over cleaning of District Central was in the process.

It was also decided that matter for regulating the garbage disposal generated in the Cantonments Board and clearance of outstanding dues of SSWMB would be resolved.

CETP: The meeting was told that Sindh govt Industries department was the sponsoring agency of the project titled ‘Establishment of Five (05) Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) for Rs.11.799 billion with 33 percent of Federal and 67 percent share of Sindh govt respectively. The project was approved by ECNEC and Administrative Approval of the Project was accorded on 12th March, 2018.

The cost estimates of the components of CETP-2 and CETP-4 with interceptors have exceeded the estimates of the different components in the revised PC-1.

The CETP-1, 2 and 4 have been included in Phase-1 of the Project as these have no land issues for treatment plants or pumping stations can be initiated without any impediments. The revised PC-I of Rs.18.143 billion is under approval process.

In a meeting held in Sindh P and D it has been decided to execute this project on PPP mode. Therefore the coordination committee decided to prepare a proper presentation for executing the project on PPP mode.

Red Line BRTS – Allotment of 52 Acres under CAA possession for the purpose of relocation of Pakistan Rangers:

Karachi BRT (KBRT) Red Line Project is being implemented with the assistance of ADB and Co-financiers’ including AlIB, AFD and GCF. The ADB Board approved Loan for Red Line BRT project worth of $ 235 million in July 2019. Accordingly, the PC-1 of the Project was cleared by CDWP and approved by ECNEC for Rs. 78,384.33 million (USD 493.51 Million). Subsequently, the Loan signing took place on June 18, 2020 which became effective from October 6, 2020.

TransKarachi, a section 42 Company, which is 100 percent owned by Sindh govt. The issue of vacation of Malir Halt and Masumiyat dept by Pakistan Rangers was discussed. At this the Corps Commander Karachi told the meeting that Pakistan Rangers would vacate the depots when the provincial transport department would start work on the Red Line BRT project.

The Sindh government urged the federal ministers to direct CAA to allotment of 12-14 acres of land out of identified 52 acres of land parcel under CAA possession for immediate relocation of Rangers to avoid penalties anticipated due to occupation of depots.

Federal Minister Asad Umer assured the chief minister that the matter would be solved through his office. Mauripur Expressway and IC Interchange Project: The meeting was told to decided Land related issues/NOC pertaining to KPT, NHA, Pakistan Railways.

The meeting was told that Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued in June, 2021 and Technical Bids were opened in September, 2021for Mauripur Expressway and IC Interchange Project.

Now there are certain issues in the encumbrance free access of the site at different locations of the Project such as Elevated U-turn, Interchange at Lyari Bridge, Marine Academy Flyover, Salt Field Area, Kakapir Road Widening and Flyover ICI Flyover Ramp Road widening near ICI Intersection and ICI Flyover connections Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan Railways and National Highway Authority have, somehow, jurisdictions on above locations of the Projects.

As per design of the Project, some piece of land in possession of these departments along with their NOCs are required. At one point i.e. ICI Flyover Connection of the Project is near to PN Boundary and as per their requirements, minimum 1.2 meters horizontal clearance has been maintained. The Coordination Committee directed PN, KPT, Pakistan Railway and NHA to issue NOCs so that the project could be kicked off.

For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019 (Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk

Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar under CPEC to be completed by Dec 2022

Islamabad, January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pak-China friendship hospital Gwadar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Project at a cost of 100 million US dollar will be completed in Dec 2022. Chinese government is financing the Pak-China Friendship Hospital being established over 68 acres of land which would be equipped with a modern medical facility for the people of the port city of Gwadar.

The project has been proposed for implementation of Phase-II of 50-beds hospital to be constructed under the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Business Plan. The Hospital would create employment opportunities for the local masses as a total of 40 local jobs would be generated whereas civil work has started by November 2020 which was expected to be completed by December 2022.

According to official sources, one out of six medical blocks (each 50 bedded) along with 20 percent of the residential blocks were completed. Under the proposed project remaining medical blocks, nursing and paramedical institutes, medical college, central laboratory, and other allied facilities would be constructed with a supply of medical equipment and machinery.

The estimated project cost to be executed jointly by the executing company and sponsors including GDA, financing Chinese Government Grant Supervising Agency, Planning and Development Department, Government of Balochistan, and Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

All main roads in Murree cleared for traffic: Shahbaz Gill

Islamabad, January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Communications Shahbaz Gill says all main roads in Murree have been cleared for traffic. In a tweet on Sunday, he said nearly 600 to 700 vehicles were evacuated from Murree last night.

He said personnel of Rawalpindi Police, District Administration, and Pakistan Army remained high alert throughout night. The Special Assistant said Police officials are still present on different routes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad leading to Murree.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

AJK Disaster Management Authority issues travel instructions for citizens 

Islamabad, January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):In view of the current weather conditions, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority has issued travel instructions for the citizens travelling to and from various parts of the region.

The authorities of the Disaster Management Authority told APP that the highway from Kohala to Murree will remain closed till restoration of normal weather conditions. They said the people intending to travel from Muzaffarabad to Islamabad should travel via Abbottabad and those travelling from other districts should take other alternative safe routes.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Poland expresses keen interest in enhancing trade with Pakistan 

Islamabad, January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):Poland has expressed keen interest in enhancing trade with Pakistan in Information Technology and agriculture sector. Talking to APP in Islamabad, Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski said currently the volume of trade between Pakistan and Poland is more than 500 million euros.

He said both countries are focusing to explore more avenues of trade and investments in multiple sectors like information technology, food processing, preservation, and agriculture sector. The ambassador said the two countries are also significantly developing their political, economic, and defence cooperation.

For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk

Painting of Pakistan’s famous artist Ismail Gulgee unveiled in Pakistan Embassy Tokyo 

Islamabad, January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):A painting of Pakistan’s famous artist Ismail Gulgee was unveiled in Pakistan Embassy Tokyo on Friday in a ceremony that was attended by representatives of Japanese media and entertainment industry, says a press release received here today from Tokyo. Speaking at the occasion Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmad said that Ismail Gulgee was best known for his abstract work, which was inspired by Islamic calligraphy and was also influenced by the “action painting” movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Gulgee visited Japan in 1989 and received Japan Foundation Award. During the same year he made this painting for Pakistan International Airlines in Tokyo. Now the painting has been shifted to Pakistan Embassy, Tokyo. The ceremony was part of events that are planned to celebrate Diamond Jubilee of independence and completion of 70 years of Pakistan Japan diplomatic relationship.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk

Assam Chief Minister threatens Owaisi with IIOJK-like treatment 

Warangal (Telangana), January 09, 2022 (PPI-OT):Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hit out at the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Telangana and said that the day is not far when Owaisi’s name along with Nizam’s name will be forgotten forever in the same manner as Article 370 was scrapped in [Indian illegally occupied] Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing a program in Warangal, the Assam Chief Minister said, “The way Article 370 was scrapped, Ram Mandir’s construction began, here also Nizam’s name, Owaisi’s name will be forgotten forever, that day is not very far.”

Mr Sarma said that the history of India says that Babur, Aurangzeb, and Nizam cannot live long. “The history of India says that Babur, Aurangzeb, and Nizam cannot live long. I am sure that the legacy of Nizam will come to a complete halt and a new culture based on Indian civilization will emerge,” said Himanta Sarma.

For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549
Fax: +92-51-4861736
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Website: www.kmsnews.org