Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

The first phase of the long delayed Islamabad Model Jail in Sector H 16 has been completed and declared ready for inauguration, according to Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials.

Final cleaning and site preparations were underway following the completion of construction.

The first phase comprises three barracks with capacity for approximately 1,500 inmates, alongside a 35 bed hospital and other essential supporting facilities.

The project was approved in 2016 at an initial estimated cost of Rs 3.9 billion and was originally scheduled for completion by 2019. However, funding shortages and construction and administrative difficulties delayed implementation well beyond the original deadline.

The Pakistan Public Works Department initially handled execution of the project. The remaining development work was subsequently transferred to the CDA, which completed the first phase.

A CDA officer put expenditure on the completed phase at approximately Rs 7 billion, including funds utilised during the Public Works Department’s involvement.

A firm inauguration date has not been announced. Completion of the buildings does not, by itself, mean that the facility has begun receiving inmates.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the establishment of a Corporate Intelligence Unit (CIU) to identify potentially illegal investment schemes and suspicious corporate activities at an early stage.

The announcement, issued on October 14, 2026, aims to strengthen detection before complaints are received, supporting timely intervention to help protect investors from financial losses.

The unit will focus on registered companies suspected of operating Ponzi or pyramid schemes, accepting deposits or providing loans without the required licence, or conducting activities beyond their approved business objectives.

The initiative also has relevance for the property sector, where investment offerings are marketed through registered companies. Company registration alone does not establish that a housing project has the necessary approvals, valid land ownership or permission to collect funds under a particular investment arrangement.

Housing scheme approvals, land rights and development permissions remain matters for the relevant development and land authorities. The CIU’s role concerns suspected unauthorised financial and corporate activities involving registered companies.

The supplied announcement does not identify specific companies under investigation. The development concerns the establishment of an early-detection mechanism for potentially illegal schemes.