Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has issued new directives concerning commercial plots and buildings.
Following amendments to the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations, authorities have ordered immediate implementation of the revised framework. According to the notification, compliance with the new rules has been made mandatory before the issuance of final construction permits, completion plans, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
After the amendment notification dated February 11, 2026, a fresh directive has been issued by the Additional Director General. The new regulations will apply not only to future cases but also to all pending commercial cases.
Regulations related to parking, plot subdivision, and commercial construction have been further tightened. Fire safety laws have been made more stringent, with mandatory NOCs now required from Civil Defence and the Fire Brigade.
Modern fire-fighting systems have been declared compulsory for public sale, industrial, and amenity projects. In case of violations, action will be taken against the responsible officials under the Service Rules 2016.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
In response to rising temperatures and the ongoing electricity crisis in Karachi, the Sindh government has initiated key measures to provide relief to citizens. A comprehensive strategy is being developed, particularly to facilitate low income communities and the industrial sector.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken a principled decision to supply affordable electricity to underprivileged areas and industrial zones in the city. In this regard, important directives were issued during a meeting with K Electric Chairman Shahryar Chishti at the Chief Minister’s House. The meeting was attended by K Electric CEO Syed Taha, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Energy Secretary Shoaib Ansari, and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister directed the Energy Department and K Electric to jointly conduct a detailed review of a subsidy program for electricity consumers, aiming to provide effective relief to low income groups. He also instructed officials to present viable and sustainable proposals for supplying affordable electricity to the industrial sector.
Murad Ali Shah emphasized that with the onset of summer, residents of underprivileged areas face severe difficulties, making immediate and effective measures essential.
He further directed the relevant authorities to devise a transparent and practical system to ensure that targeted subsidies directly benefit deserving households.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Sindh government has once again decided to reactivate the long delayed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project by handing over its execution to the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), setting a 90 day deadline for the completion of key components.
On the directives of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, construction activity has resumed on previously stalled sections of the project, particularly along University Road. The provincial government has instructed that the mixed-traffic corridor and drainage system be completed within three months in order to reduce public inconvenience.
The decision came after the office of the previous contractor was sealed, prompting the government to transfer the project to FWO on an emergency basis. According to official sources, the move reflects administrative seriousness as well as growing public pressure, as the project has remained delayed for several years.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed that construction work continue even during the Eid holidays to ensure that targets are met within the stipulated timeframe.
Government sources say that work on both sides of Lot II has been targeted for completion within 90 days, with priority being given to the most affected stretches.
Construction of water pipelines, service roads, and drainage infrastructure has been targeted for completion by the end of July. These areas have long been a major source of traffic congestion and public inconvenience.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed on the social media platform X that FWO has resumed work on University Road. He stated that the Chief Minister has clearly directed that the mixed traffic corridor and drainage works must be completed within 90 days.
During a visit to the project site, the Chief Minister expressed regret over the delays and apologized to citizens for the prolonged inconvenience. He said that approximately 12 kilometers of mixed traffic lanes would be restored within three months, adding that resolving public hardship remains the government’s top priority.
He further announced that the tender for the main corridor of Lot II will be reissued. He added that discussions with the FWO leadership have been completed and full scale construction activities are expected to resume within the next two to three days.
The Red Line BRT project was launched in 2022 with an estimated cost of Rs77–80 billion; however, due to delays and various disputes, the cost has now exceeded Rs103 billion. Disagreements over funding and construction quality with the previous contractor had significantly slowed progress.
Over the past four years, the incomplete project has severely affected daily life in Karachi. The prolonged delays have drawn continuous criticism from citizens, while the project has frequently been mocked on social media for its slow progress and repeated disruptions.