Islamabad | ReNews National Desk

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has convened a high-level meeting to review outstanding payments of approximately Rs 500 billion owed to power projects established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), amid growing financial pressures on the country's electricity sector.

According to reports citing official sources, the meeting will examine outstanding power-sector liabilities, the financial position of CPEC electricity projects and payments pending to Chinese power producers operating in Pakistan. The reported arrears have reached approximately Rs 500 billion, with the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) facing difficulties in settling the outstanding amounts because of financial constraints.

Chinese power companies have repeatedly approached the relevant authorities through official correspondence, seeking payment of their accumulated receivables. Some operators have warned that prolonged payment delays could undermine their ability to meet debt-servicing obligations and maintain financially sustainable operations. Earlier reports published on October 19 indicated that outstanding dues owed to CPEC power projects had reached approximately Rs 498 billion. Among the affected companies is Port Qasim Electric Power Company (PQEPC), which operates a 1,320-megawatt coal-fired power plant developed under CPEC. According to a letter dated September 29, 2026, the company reported outstanding electricity payments of approximately Rs 79 billion, with some payments delayed for more than six months.

PQEPC Chief Executive Officer Wang Dongfeng approached the federal ministers responsible for finance, planning and energy, requesting urgent government intervention to secure the release of the pending payments. The company warned that continued delays could affect the project's financial sustainability and potentially lead to defaults under loan agreements and government-backed financial obligations. Similarly, the 1,320-megawatt Sahiwal coal-fired power plant has reportedly accumulated approximately Rs 80 billion in outstanding receivables. The project's Chinese operator has also approached government authorities seeking settlement of unpaid amounts and resolution of longstanding disputes relating to electricity payments. The combined reported receivables of the Port Qasim and Sahiwal projects stand at approximately Rs 159 billion, accounting for a substantial portion of the overall outstanding payments to CPEC power producers.

Financial pressures have also affected renewable energy projects developed under the economic corridor. UEP Wind Power, a 99-megawatt CPEC wind energy project, has requested approximately Rs 5.824 billion from CPPA-G to meet financial obligations, including loan repayments, operational expenses and other liabilities. The company has warned that insufficient cash flow could increase the risk of default if outstanding payments are not released in time. The accumulation of unpaid electricity bills is linked partly to financial constraints within the power sector, including inadequate recoveries by electricity distribution companies.

These financial pressures have reduced the purchasing agency's ability to settle payments to independent power producers, increasing liquidity concerns for companies operating major generation projects. According to government sources, key federal ministers and senior officials from the relevant departments are expected to participate in the prime minister's meeting.

Karachi | ReNews National Desk

The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has directed its relevant departments to review land boundaries, resolve outstanding demarcation issues and strengthen the protection of its properties in key areas surrounding Karachi Port. The directives were issued by KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed following a comprehensive field inspection of port-area landholdings and properties.

According to details reported on October 20, 2026, the chairman was accompanied by the Director General of the Real Estate Division and the Directors General of Civil Works and Planning during visits to several important locations. The inspection focused on verifying existing land boundaries, assessing the status of KPT-owned properties and identifying administrative and infrastructure-related issues requiring attention. The sites inspected included the Boat Building Yard, Fish Harbour, West Wharf, various plots in Machar Colony and Younisabad.

Wazir Mansion and plots situated along Mauripur Road were also identified for more detailed examination as part of the broader review of the port authority's landholdings. According to KPT officials, the exercise was aimed at strengthening land management procedures, addressing boundary-related concerns and ensuring the protection of valuable public assets. The inspection also covered aspects of civic infrastructure associated with the identified properties and their surrounding areas.

Chairman Shahid Ahmed directed the departments concerned to expedite the resolution of outstanding matters and ensure proper demarcation of land belonging to Karachi Port Trust. He also instructed officials to take appropriate measures to protect the authority's land from potential encroachments and improve oversight of its properties.

The review is particularly relevant because Karachi Port is surrounded by a combination of industrial facilities, maritime businesses, commercial properties, transport infrastructure and established residential settlements. In such areas, accurate land records and clearly defined property boundaries are important for protecting public assets and reducing administrative disputes. West Wharf and Fish Harbour are among the locations associated with significant port-related and commercial activities, while Mauripur Road provides access to industrial and transport facilities connected with the wider port area.

Clear demarcation of KPT-owned land could help improve property management, access arrangements and planning for infrastructure maintenance. For businesses operating in or near these areas, accurate land boundaries may also provide greater clarity regarding operational spaces, leased properties and rights of access. However, the inspection and boundary review should not be interpreted as confirmation that all the identified locations are under illegal occupation.

The available report does not provide specific plot measurements, details of newly established encroachments or a list of occupants facing eviction. It also does not announce any new commercial land auction, redevelopment scheme or changes to existing lease arrangements. Although Wazir Mansion and the Mauripur Road plots have been identified for additional review, their inclusion does not establish unlawful occupation or determine the legal status of individual properties. Any subsequent changes involving leases, property rights, access arrangements or commercial use would require appropriate administrative procedures and official documentation.

The inspection represents an administrative effort to improve the management and protection of Karachi Port Trust's land assets rather than a completed enforcement operation. KPT's broader responsibilities include managing port-related infrastructure, protecting its properties and supporting the commercial and maritime activities associated with Karachi Port. Effective land management is important for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring that valuable port-area properties remain available for their designated purposes. The chairman's instructions place responsibility on the relevant departments to examine the identified issues, clarify land boundaries and take appropriate measures where necessary.

Further details regarding individual properties, any enforcement proceedings or proposed changes to land use will depend on subsequent official decisions and notifications from Karachi Port Trust.

Mumbai | ReNews International Correspondent

Private equity investment in India's real estate sector declined by 31% year-on-year to $1.66 billion during the first nine months of 2026, even as the number of investment transactions increased, indicating a shift towards smaller deals and more selective capital deployment. According to Knight Frank India's Capital Market Report released on October 28, total private equity investment between January and September 2026 stood at $1.66 billion, compared with $2.41 billion during the corresponding period of 2025.

Despite the decline in investment value, the number of transactions increased from 24 to 31, representing growth of approximately 29%. However, the average disclosed deal size fell by 47% to $53 million, reflecting a reduction in large investment transactions that had previously supported higher capital inflows. Knight Frank reported that private equity investment during the first nine months of 2026 reached its lowest level in six years on a comparable January-September basis.

One of the most significant developments was the growing dominance of domestic investors in India's property market. Indian investors accounted for 85% of total private equity investment during the period, compared with 25% a year earlier. Domestic investment increased from $603 million to $1.42 billion, while foreign investors contributed approximately $240 million. Consequently, the share of foreign investment declined from 75% in the first nine months of 2025 to just 15% during the corresponding period of 2026. The office property sector continued to attract the largest share of investment.

Office assets received $1.18 billion, accounting for approximately 71% of total private equity capital, although investment in the segment declined by 19% year-on-year. Completed office properties accounted for 78% of investment in the sector, highlighting growing investor preference for income-generating assets with lower development risks. Equity financing represented 88% of total office investment. The residential property sector attracted $320 million through 19 transactions, representing a 33% year-on-year decline. Debt and structured credit accounted for approximately 97% of residential investment, while 83% of the capital was directed towards projects under construction.

India's National Capital Region (NCR) received approximately 63% of residential investment during the period. Warehousing and logistics properties attracted $160 million through a single transaction during the third quarter. In contrast, the retail property segment recorded no private equity investment during the first nine months of 2026, compared with approximately $374 million in the corresponding period last year. Among major cities, the National Capital Region led investment activity with $568 million, followed by Pune at $356 million and Chennai at $319 million.

Mumbai attracted approximately $276 million, while Bengaluru received $137 million.
Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, said the changing composition of real estate investment was as significant as the overall decline in capital inflows. He explained that domestic investors were playing a substantially larger role, while investment decisions increasingly depended on expected returns, project structures and associated risks. According to Baijal, completed office assets and structured financing for residential development reflected different approaches towards balancing investment returns and risks. He emphasised that India's ability to attract international capital would depend on the quality of investment opportunities, transparency and confidence in the country's long-term economic fundamentals.

Lahore | Riaz Hussain, Chief Reporter, ReNews Pakistan

Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General Tahir Farooq visited the Pine Sector in LDA City to review the measures underway for its early launch.
Commercial plots measuring two kanal, eight marla, six marla and four marla will soon be launched in the sector. One-kanal residential plots will also be offered.
Farooq said commercial and residential plots located along Pine Avenue were planned to be offered through balloting on easy instalments. He said the Pine Sector was an investment opportunity for citizens and would include a premier residential block comprising one-kanal residential plots.
LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed, the LDA City director and Chief Town Planner-II briefed Farooq on the site plan. Officials said development work in the sector would be completed according to the set timeline.
During the visit, Farooq reviewed the proposed development plan and directed officials to finalise the roadmap for the sector’s marketing and development at the earliest. The chief engineer, chief town planner, chief metropolitan planning officer, chief information technology officer, director of auction, LDA City director, project director and other officials were also present.

Lahore | ReNews National Desk

The Punjab government has approved the key outlines of a Rs 1.995 trillion industrial and export development programme aimed at expanding industrial activity, promoting exports and attracting investment. The plan includes four proposed agricultural processing parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar.
The programme aims to expand industrial activity across the province, facilitate the establishment of new industries, increase local processing of agricultural produce and create more than 162,000 jobs.

The programme was approved at the 37th meeting of the Punjab provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on October 19.
Under the Punjab Innovation for Value, Opportunity and Transformation (PIVOT) programme, total investment of Rs 1.995 trillion is expected. The provincial government has proposed a contribution of Rs 1.089 trillion, while the target for private-sector investment is Rs 906 billion.
The programme includes the development of industrial infrastructure, the establishment of industry clusters, improvements to the quality of export products, modernisation of the agriculture and livestock sectors, and new projects through public-private partnerships.
A key component is the proposed development of agricultural processing parks in four districts. The parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar are intended to support modern processing of agricultural produce, add value to products and improve access to domestic and international markets.

Their development could create demand in the respective districts for industrial land, factories, warehouses, cold storage, electricity, water, roads and other infrastructure, potentially opening up opportunities for the construction and industrial real estate sectors.However, the government has not yet announced the specific site s or boundaries for the parks, approved layout plans, industrial plot prices, application procedures or possession dates.

The programme also proposes providing plug-and-play industrial facilities to help new businesses begin operations. Such centres could offer businesses ready-to-use infrastructure and essential services, potentially reducing the initial cost and time required to set up factories.
Garments, leather goods, footwear and sports equipment have been given particular importance in the industrial development plan. Measures to test products, certify quality and strengthen production capacity in line with international requirements are also included.

The programme proposes material-testing laboratories for the cutlery, hand tools, ceramics and fan industries to improve the quality and export competitiveness of locally made products. In agriculture, the plan also focuses on adding value to wheat, developing the meat and dairy industries, processing kinnow, potatoes and mangoes, and promoting horticulture, commercial flower production, aquaculture and related businesses. The government has included export financing support and skills training for businesses linked to horticulture and the flower industry. The programme also envisages support for existing businesses, the promotion of e-commerce and digital business activity, and the provision of modern industrial facilities.

The four proposed processing parks and industrial clusters are particularly relevant to the construction and real estate sectors. Their development will depend on land availability, industrial zoning, construction planning, access roads and the provision of basic infrastructure. The Rs 1.995 trillion figure represents the programme’s expected total investment. It should not be taken as the amount of construction contracts to be awarded immediately or as funding already available in full. Similarly, the target of more than 162,000 jobs is contingent on investment, the launch of projects and the growth of industries.

Following the provincial cabinet’s approval, further decisions are expected on detailed feasibility studies, land selection, financial arrangements and phased implementation of the programme’s projects. If implemented effectively, the programme could expand industrial activity across Punjab’s districts, add value to agricultural products, attract new investment and stimulate construction-sector activity.