قومی ریئل اسٹیٹ خبریں

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Millions of people living along major river systems in the Himalayan and Hindu Kush regions could face increasing risks from glacial floods as rising temperatures accelerate glacier melt, a senior United Nations official has warned.
Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said the growing threat could have serious consequences for communities, property and critical infrastructure located downstream of glaciers and glacial lakes.
She warned that the scale of the threat is expanding rapidly, with some riverbank areas potentially becoming unsafe or even uninhabitable. Hydroelectric power systems could also face significant risks as sudden surges of water travel through major river systems.
“Technology cannot move fast enough to prevent loss along these massive river systems that catch the overflow of the glacier lakes,” Wignaraja said in an interview with Reuters.
Researchers identified 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal, China and India in 2020. However, updated assessments indicate that the number of potentially hazardous lakes has increased considerably.
According to Wignaraja, data compiled by the UNDP and partner organizations in June shows that the number of people exposed to glacial flood risks across the region now runs into the millions.
The warning comes after a devastating flood in Nepal last week, triggered when part of a glacier near Langtang Lirung mountain collapsed and fell into a valley. The resulting landslide generated a powerful flood wave that moved downstream along the Trishuli River.
Glacial lake outburst floods pose a different but closely related threat. They occur when melting ice produces large volumes of water that accumulate behind natural barriers. As pressure increases, the barrier can collapse or overflow, releasing a sudden and potentially destructive flood downstream.
The increasing frequency of glacier melt is raising concerns for settlements, housing developments, agricultural land, roads, bridges and other infrastructure situated along vulnerable river corridors.
UN officials have warned that rising temperatures are accelerating glacier loss across the Himalayan region. Melting ice can destabilize surrounding rocks and increase pressure on natural barriers holding back glacial lakes, potentially increasing the likelihood of sudden floods.
The region's geological characteristics add another layer of risk. Wignaraja noted that the Himalayan mountains are relatively young and remain vulnerable to tectonic activity, which can contribute to glacier collapses or failures of natural barriers around glacial lakes.
Researchers have identified potentially dangerous glacial lakes across large areas of the Hindu Kush and Himalayan region, raising long-term concerns about communities and property located downstream.
The growing threat highlights the importance of incorporating climate and flood-risk assessments into housing development, land use planning and infrastructure projects in vulnerable mountain and riverine areas. Authorities may increasingly need to ensure that new residential schemes and major developments are located away from high risk flood corridors and that existing communities have effective early warning and evacuation systems.

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to examine and settle all outstanding land compensation and rehabilitation claims within six months, emphasizing that the authority cannot withhold legally determined payments due to administrative delays or financial constraints. The court ruled that the CDA, established under the CDA Ordinance, 1960, must exercise its powers strictly within the statutory framework and cannot grant or deny benefits beyond those permitted by law. The judgment follows longstanding disputes involving unpaid compensation, delayed plot allotments and incomplete development of acquired sectors in Islamabad.

A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan and comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, issued the directions while hearing petitions arising from Islamabad High Court judgments delivered on October 30, 2024, and June 14, 2021. The cases involved landowners, affected persons and plot allottees seeking compensation and rehabilitation benefits. According to the court record, approximately Rs 8.0224 billion in compensation claims remain outstanding, while 10,739 plots are awaiting allotment. One of the petitions concerned Islamabad's Sector E-12, where allottees have been awaiting development and physical possession of their plots since 1989.

The FCC directed the CDA to provide affected claimants an opportunity for a hearing, determine their lawful entitlements within six months and implement the decisions without unnecessary delay. The court clarified that legally finalized acquisition awards must govern compensation rights, while subsequent awards or review orders would be enforceable only if their statutory validity is established. It further ruled that rehabilitation benefits, including alternative plot allotments, could only be granted where supported by valid legal entitlement. Neither the CDA nor the federal government can modify these rights through administrative decisions inconsistent with the governing law.

Reaffirming the constitutional protection of property rights under Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution, the FCC observed that private property may be acquired for public purposes only in accordance with the law and with the safeguards prescribed by legislation. The court emphasized that the CDA's land acquisition and compensation powers are regulated by Sections 25 to 32 of the CDA Ordinance, 1960, along with applicable rules and regulations. It stressed that financial limitations, internal procedural difficulties and administrative delays cannot justify indefinite non-payment of compensation that has been lawfully determined. The ruling establishes a six-month deadline for resolving pending claims while reinforcing the statutory obligations of the authority toward affected landowners and allottees.

More than 340,000 kanals of Auqaf land in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are missing from the department’s official records, even though administrations in 20 districts have reported a total of 407,374 kanals and eight marlas. The Auqaf Department’s own records, by comparison, list only around 67,000 kanals across the province.
The significant discrepancy has raised questions about the recording, monitoring and protection of public land in the province. Details obtained from district administrations indicate that the reported area of Auqaf land is several times greater than the amount recorded by the department.

Government sources claim that influential individuals have occupied valuable land that is missing from the records for several years. They say the situation has left land worth billions of rupees outside government oversight. However, the report does not provide a district-by-district account of the alleged encroachments or clarify the land’s current legal status.

According to documents, information on Auqaf land was collected from 20 districts. Mardan reported the largest area, with 45,462 kanals and 16 marlas. The report did not include figures for the other districts. The report also provided no details about the reasons for the discrepancy or any formal action or government decision to identify the land and verify its ownership. The figures point to the need for a comprehensive survey of Auqaf properties, reconciliation with district records and a review of the department’s official entries.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor’s Adviser on Law, Labour and Inter-Provincial Coordination Amir Javed has directed the Workers Welfare Board (WWB) to ensure transparent allotment of residential flats, remove encroachments from its properties and accelerate the digitisation of official records. The directives were issued during his visit to the board’s headquarters in Peshawar, where officials briefed him on landholdings, residential facilities, ongoing development projects and welfare initiatives in the presence of Labour Secretary Abdul Basit. Emphasising the importance of workers’ housing and improved living conditions, the adviser said public resources must be managed in accordance with established rules, merit and transparency.

During the briefing, officials informed the adviser that the Workers Welfare Board owned approximately 2,495 kanals of land across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and had a total of 2,056 residential flats. Of these, 192 flats were currently occupied, while 496 were ready for allotment. The remaining 1,368 flats had yet to be completed or made available for occupation. Reviewing the housing allocation process, Amir Javed made it clear that direct allotments would not be permitted and that all residential units must be allocated strictly under the prescribed rules and regulations. He also called for continuous monitoring of housing schemes and property records to prevent irregularities and ensure that residential facilities reach eligible workers.

Expressing serious concern over encroachments on the board’s properties, the adviser directed officials to remove all unauthorised occupations within one week. He observed that regular monthly inspections could have prevented illegal occupation and criticised the lack of effective administrative action over the previous three years. Referring to 60 residential quarters sealed the preceding week, he instructed board officials to prepare an effective legal defence for the forthcoming court proceedings. He further stressed that stronger property management, regular inspections and transparent documentation were essential to protecting public assets and preventing future disputes over land ownership and residential allotments.

The adviser also directed the board to expedite record digitisation, improve educational and healthcare services and strengthen welfare support for registered workers and their families. He called for better monitoring of scholarships, improved facilities for workers’ children, expanded vocational training opportunities for women and timely payment of marriage and death grants. Officials were also instructed to review the board’s liabilities and expenditure, improve financial discipline and examine relevant labour laws, including provisions concerning the retirement age of 60 years. Amir Javed emphasised that administrative accountability and effective management of public resources were necessary to ensure that housing and welfare benefits reached deserving workers without unnecessary delays.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the Karachi mayor to take immediate and effective measures to recover approximately 25 acres of valuable public amenity land in Orangi Town, expressing serious dissatisfaction over the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) failure to address illegal allotments, encroachments and unauthorised land conversion. A two-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Riazat Ali Sahar issued the directions on Thursday while hearing petitions concerning land located in Sector 16, Block-I, Orangi Town. According to the approved layout plan, the property was originally reserved for a Norwegian school and technical institute, along with football and hockey grounds for students. However, the petitioners alleged that land grabbers had occupied the property, subdivided it into residential plots and obtained illegal leases in collusion with government officials.

The court observed that an inquiry committee constituted following its September 2024 directions had confirmed serious illegalities and irregularities in the issuance of leases for the land, which was designated exclusively for public purposes, particularly educational and healthcare facilities. Despite the committee’s recommendations for immediate restoration and legal action against those responsible, the bench found that KMC had failed to demonstrate meaningful progress. The court noted that the measures undertaken by municipal authorities had largely remained limited to official correspondence and procedural formalities. During the proceedings, KMC officials acknowledged that civil lawsuits against the leaseholders had been filed only three days earlier, while no criminal or departmental proceedings had been initiated against the individuals or officials allegedly involved.

Expressing strong displeasure over the prolonged administrative inaction, the bench observed that the delay raised concerns about possible undue protection being extended to beneficiaries of illegal land transactions and public officials involved in facilitating them. The court emphasised that public amenity land is held by government institutions in trust for the community and cannot lawfully be transferred, converted or utilised for private commercial or residential purposes in violation of its designated use. It further observed that the unauthorised conversion of land reserved for educational and healthcare facilities undermines public welfare and adversely affects the rights and legitimate interests of local residents.

The SHC directed the Karachi mayor to personally supervise the matter, pursue the cancellation of illegally issued leases and ensure recovery of the occupied land for its original public purpose. The bench also ordered the initiation of appropriate civil, criminal and departmental proceedings against individuals and government officials found responsible for illegal allotments, leasing, occupation or misuse of the property, without extending preferential treatment based on official status or influence. The mayor was instructed to submit a comprehensive compliance report, supported by documentary evidence, within 30 days, detailing the measures taken for land recovery and legal proceedings. The court adjourned further hearing until December 15.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has urged businesses to consider fire and property insurance to protect their assets from unexpected damage and reduce the financial impact of potential losses.

The regulator organised an awareness session in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at the chamber’s premises. Business owners, traders and industrialists attended the event, which focused on the risks posed by fire incidents and the role of insurance in helping businesses manage them.
Participants were told that the effects of a fire can extend beyond damage to buildings and equipment. Business closures, lost income and disruptions to employees’ livelihoods can also follow an incident, making fire prevention and adequate insurance coverage important parts of business preparedness.
The session covered protection for commercial properties, machinery, equipment and inventory. Insurance industry representatives explained available fire and property insurance products, policy considerations, coverage options and the claims settlement process.
Speakers also discussed business interruption coverage, which can help companies recover financially after insured losses disrupt their operations. Participants were briefed on Takaful as a Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional insurance and took part in a question-and-answer session on products, coverage and claims.
The initiative is part of the SECP’s efforts to improve insurance awareness and encourage wider coverage among businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The regulator said the effort aims to strengthen financial preparedness and help businesses protect their assets and maintain operations after unexpected losses.

A Senate sub-committee has raised serious concerns over the reported establishment of 27 allegedly illegal housing societies on land belonging to Jammu and Kashmir State in Lahore, where residential plots are reportedly being sold to unsuspecting citizens. The matter came to light during a visit led by Nasir Mahmood Butt, Convener of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions, along with Senators Naseema Ehsan and Nadeem Bhutto. The delegation inspected state-owned properties in Sultanpura, Rehmanpura and Naulakha Bazaar to assess their legal status, management and protection.

According to an official statement, several housing societies have allegedly been developed on state-owned land without lawful authorisation, while residential buildings have also been constructed on the disputed properties. The committee expressed concern that many buyers may be unaware of the actual ownership status of the land, potentially exposing them to legal disputes, financial losses and fraudulent property transactions.

During the inspection, relevant authorities briefed the delegation on property records, administrative affairs, rental income, unauthorised occupation and encroachments. The committee stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the legal status of the 27 housing societies, verification of land ownership documents and examination of plot sale and purchase records to identify possible irregularities and protect the interests of affected citizens.

The committee emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir State properties are valuable state assets requiring effective protection, transparent administration and proper regulatory oversight. Members called for stronger measures to prevent illegal construction, unauthorised land transactions and further encroachments, while ensuring that citizens are protected from potential property fraud and legal complications.

The Karachi administration has completed fire safety audits of 1,369 buildings across the city's seven districts as part of an extensive inspection campaign launched under the directives of the Sindh government to strengthen building safety standards and prevent fire-related emergencies.

The progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi at his office on November 11, 2026, where officials presented detailed reports on inspections, safety assessments, regulatory compliance and enforcement measures.

According to the briefing, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has begun uploading approved building plans and maps to the Commissioner Karachi Safety Audit Portal. Documentation for 207 buildings has been uploaded to facilitate emergency planning and improve coordination among firefighting agencies.

Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi directed deputy commissioners, SBCA officials and other relevant departments to accelerate inspections and ensure that identified fire hazards are eliminated without unnecessary delays. He emphasised that compliance with prescribed fire safety regulations must be ensured in residential, commercial and other buildings covered by the inspection programme.

The meeting reviewed district-wise progress, including audits of 287 buildings in Korangi, 113 in Central, 107 in East, 103 in West and 98 in South. Officials also presented findings from inspections conducted by eight departments involved in the citywide safety campaign.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) analyst Diyal Das Rathore briefed participants on risk assessments, the classification of non-compliant buildings, follow-up inspections and emergency evacuation exercises. The meeting was informed that repeated inspections had helped reduce safety risks in several previously identified buildings. However, the commissioner instructed officials to revisit properties where deficiencies remained and ensure implementation of all necessary preventive measures.

Authorities reported that assistant commissioners had issued reminder notices to 17 buildings failing to comply with fire safety requirements, while one building had been sealed. Fire drills have also been conducted in 279 buildings to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen evacuation procedures.

In another significant decision, firefighters from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 will receive specialised training in interpreting building plans. The SBCA will coordinate the training programme in collaboration with the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD).

The initiative is intended to help emergency responders understand building layouts, access routes and internal structures during firefighting and rescue operations. ABAD will also upload building plans of relevant properties to the digital safety portal to support coordinated emergency response.

Commissioner instructed departments to strengthen standard operating procedures, improve interdepartmental coordination and take enforcement action against persistent violations. He stressed that notices, follow-up inspections and building closures should be undertaken wherever necessary to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The ongoing campaign is particularly significant for Karachi's residential and commercial property sector, where building safety compliance remains essential for protecting occupants, businesses and property investments. Authorities believe that systematic inspections, digital building records and improved emergency training will strengthen fire prevention measures across the metropolis.

The administration has directed all concerned departments to complete the remaining audits and ensure that buildings meet the required safety standards.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that a building known as “Bari Imam House” is an unauthorised occupation of land acquired by the authority in 1963. The CDA has also disputed any legal connection between the building and the shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam.

In a written response submitted through its counsel, Kashif Ali Malik, the authority said the property is not listed in its official land acquisition or revenue records. It argued that the petitioner has no lawful ownership, title or permission to occupy or use the premises.

The CDA identified the disputed land as comprising Khasra Nos. 435, 582, 591, 592 and 593 in Mauza Noorpur Shahan. According to its response, the land was acquired under Award No. 4/DC CDA/1963, and compensation and other admissible benefits were paid to the respective landowners. The authority said the acquisition record contains no reference to a building or establishment called “Bari Imam House.” On that basis, it considers the occupation an encroachment on land acquired by the CDA.

The authority also distinguished the disputed building from the shrine, or Darbar, of Hazrat Bari Imam. It said the shrine is situated on separate land comprising Khasra Nos. 277, 665, 677, 678, 679 and 680, recorded in the name of Darbar Aalia Hazrat Bari Abdul Latif Shah (R.A.). According to the CDA, the shrine land is located across the road from the disputed premises.

The authority argued that the two properties are separate both legally and geographically, and that associating the building with the shrine does not establish ownership or a right to occupy the land. The CDA has also challenged the maintainability of the constitutional petition, raising objections to the petitioner’s legal standing and entitlement to use the premises.

The response follows an IHC order issued on November 3, 2026, directing the relevant authorities to de-seal the building and restraining its demolition until the next hearing. The CDA has requested an early hearing, preferably during the week beginning November 9, instead of the date previously scheduled for January 18, 2027. It said it wants to present its legal and factual position before the court.

The Sheikhupura Interchange on the Lahore/Islamabad Motorway (M-2) has been temporarily closed as repair crews work on a section of the northbound carriageway between kilometres 45 and 48.
Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) Central Region, said both entry to and exit from the motorway at the interchange had been suspended during the work.

Authorities have put traffic diversions in place, though no completion time was specified in the report.
Motorists who normally use the Sheikhupura Interchange have been advised to enter or leave the M-2 through Hiran Minar Interchange instead. NHMP officers are stationed in the area to guide drivers and provide information about the alternative route.

The repair work is part of a broader maintenance activity on the motorway. An earlier NHMP travel advisory listed roadwork-related lane restrictions on the northbound carriageway between Hadiyala Virkan and Sheikhupura, around kilometres 42 to 46.

The police have urged road users to follow officers’ instructions and use the diversion until the repair work is completed. Motorists should check the latest NHMP travel advisory or call helpline 130 before travelling, as closures and diversions may change.