Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews National Correspondent The federal government is considering new rules to regulate and promote Pakistan’s construction industry, including the possible creation of one or two authorities and a defect liability period of at least three years for major public projects. The proposals were discussed at a meeting on the draft Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) Bill, chaired by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema in Islamabad. The meeting was exploratory, and consultations with the Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) and other stakeholders are due to continue. Officials are weighing whether to establish a single authority or separate bodies for regulation and industry promotion. The framework may also introduce Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards for government projects to help resolve disputes before they escalate. The Pakistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) was asked to begin work on a defect liability period of at least three years for major projects. Smaller projects could be included in phases. Under such a requirement, contractors would be responsible for repairing covered defects that emerge during the liability period. The proposed framework also considers placing money withheld from contractors during that period in interest-bearing accounts. The funds, along with accumulated interest, would be returned after the liability period ends, subject to the final rules. The government is also considering using standard contracts developed by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, known as FIDIC, as a reference for the framework. A key issue is the definition of a “major” project. CAP wants the proposed liability and dispute-board requirements to apply only to projects worth Rs 20 billion or more. The government is seeking a lower threshold, which would bring more public infrastructure projects under the rules. No final limit has been announced. Finance Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and Housing Secretary retired Captain Muhammad Mahmood attended the meeting. The proposals have not yet become law. If adopted, they could set clearer responsibilities for contractors on public projects, but the scope and practical effect will depend on the bill’s final provisions and the threshold selected.

Islamabad | ReNews National Correspondent The Capital Development Authority (CDA) says construction of Shahdara Dam is expected to begin soon as part of its planning to strengthen Islamabad’s water supply. In an announcement, the authority said the proposed project could provide around 5 to 10 million gallons of water per day. The expected supply remains subject to the project’s final design, technical assessments and operational arrangements. The figure describes the dam’s proposed potential; it does not mean that the water is already available to residents or allocated to particular sectors or housing developments. The CDA has described a two-year completion period for the project. However, its announcement does not confirm that construction has started, specify a calendar date for completion, or provide details of a contract award or project budget. The timeline should therefore be treated as a plan rather than a firm delivery commitment. The proposal may be relevant to Islamabad’s longer-term water planning, but its practical impact will depend on the project moving through technical planning, construction and the arrangements needed to deliver water. For homebuyers and property investors, the announcement alone does not establish that a particular development will receive a reliable water connection or supply. Buyers should verify the existing water connections and supply arrangements for any property they are considering, including how the service is operated. A city-level dam plan is not evidence of a guaranteed allocation to an individual housing scheme, nor does it establish that property prices will rise. A confirmed construction start, publication of the final technical design and documented arrangements for water distribution would provide clearer evidence of the project’s progress. Until those details are available, the proposed timeline and output should be understood as planned outcomes.

Islamabad : ReNews City Desk Authorities demolished Khanna Police Station, which was built on a greenbelt along the Islamabad Expressway, on October 30 as part of the government’s campaign against encroachments and illegal occupation of public land. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi supervised the operation. Islamabad Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police also took part. The interior minister said the police station had been temporarily shifted to an alternative location, while a new legal site had been allocated for its building. He said no government department, private organisation or individual would be allowed to occupy public land illegally.