Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan The management of the national airline has decided to conduct fresh valuations of five of its properties located in major urban centres, in a move aimed at updating asset records and improving real estate and financial planning. According to details, the properties include the airline’s sales office in Islamabad’s Blue Area, the booking office in Rawalpindi, a plot reserved for the airline’s headquarters, as well as sales offices in Peshawar and Quetta. All sites will undergo a new market-based assessment. The exercise is expected to help the airline determine the current commercial worth of its land and built assets, particularly those situated in high-value business districts and densely developed urban zones. Officials view the reassessment as part of broader efforts to streamline property management and optimise the use of underutilised or strategically located spaces. The airline has invited applications from government-registered valuation firms to carry out the assessments. Interested firms have been asked to submit proposals by 13 February. Urban and aviation sector analysts note that updated valuations can support future decisions related to leasing, redevelopment, consolidation of offices or potential commercial utilisation, especially where properties occupy prime land with strong rental or redevelopment potential. The initiative reflects a growing focus on structured land and property management within public sector entities, aimed at strengthening financial sustainability while ensuring more efficient use of real estate resources in key cities.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry issued a special message on World Wetlands Day, warning that the destruction of wetlands poses a significant threat not only to marine life and fisheries but also to urban coastal communities. He emphasized that wetlands serve as vital ecosystems supporting biodiversity, fisheries, and environmental resilience for cities and towns located near the coast.
Federal Minister highlighted the role of wetlands as natural buffers against flooding, storm surges, and water pollution, which directly affects urban settlements along Pakistan’s coastline. Healthy wetlands reduce vulnerability of coastal cities to environmental hazards, while their degradation increases risks to urban populations, infrastructure, and economic activity.
Pakistan is home to over 240 important wetlands, many of which are adjacent to urban and semi-urban areas. These ecosystems contribute to sustainable livelihoods for fishermen and local communities while also influencing water quality, urban recreation, and climate adaptation strategies in coastal cities.
The minister urged integrated urban planning and community engagement to protect wetland ecosystems. He stressed that safeguarding wetlands is not only crucial for fisheries and biodiversity but also essential for ensuring sustainable urban development, clean coastal environments, and disaster-resilient cities.
His message aligns with broader national efforts to balance urban expansion with environmental protection, highlighting that conservation of wetlands is integral to resilient, livable, and economically vibrant coastal urban areas.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Karachi’s city administration has confirmed that University Road and the Safoora Corridor are expected to reopen by March, as part of ongoing efforts to improve urban mobility and ease congestion along major city arteries. The announcement was made by Sindh information Minister Sharjeel Memon, highlighting the progress of infrastructure upgrades along key transport corridors.
The two phases of Bhutto Highway construction are nearing completion, with structural works, road surfacing, and drainage improvements being finalised to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced safety for commuters. The projects are part of broader urban development initiatives aimed at modernizing the city’s transport network and reducing bottlenecks in densely populated districts.
Authorities said the reopening of University Road and the Safoora Corridor will significantly improve connectivity between residential, commercial, and institutional zones, supporting both daily commuter traffic and freight movement. The upgrades also include pedestrian facilities, traffic management systems, and urban landscaping to enhance road utility and safety. City planners emphasized that completing these corridors is crucial for Karachi’s long-term urban planning objectives, including efficient land use, integrated transport systems, and sustainable management of high-traffic urban zones.
The administration will continue monitoring the roads after reopening to ensure operational efficiency and safety standards.