Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has directed the immediate issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction of the Malir Halt underpass in Karachi.
A high-level meeting was held between the Chief Minister of Sindh and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, which was attended by Sharjeel Memon, Nasser Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, and other senior officials.
During the meeting, it was agreed to restore the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and suburban train services. It was also decided to launch new train services from Karachi to Rohri and Karachi to Jacobabad.
The Chief Minister of Sindh stated that Karachi urgently needs an efficient and affordable public transport system to provide better travel facilities to citizens. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said that all relevant institutions will work jointly to modernize and make the railway system more reliable.
The Chief Secretary highlighted that the Sindh government wants to construct an underpass at Malir Halt, but the project could not begin due to delays in the issuance of NOC by the railways.
Taking immediate action, the Railways Minister directed that the NOC for the Malir Halt underpass construction be issued without delay.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced that work on the 480 kilometre Rohri Karachi railway track will commence in September this year, with an estimated cost of $2 billion, marking a major step towards modernising Pakistan’s rail infrastructure.
The minister made the announcement while addressing a ceremony in Karachi held to mark the launch of The International School Pakistan Railways Campus, an initiative aimed at providing world class education under a framework of national collaboration and shared growth. The event was attended by Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, Secretary Railways Mazahar Ali Shah, and other senior officials.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Abbasi described the Rohri Karachi section as one of the most challenging railway tracks, originally constructed in the 1860s. He said the government, under the directives of the prime minister, has prioritised its rehabilitation to improve safety, efficiency and operational capacity. The foundation stone for the project is expected to be laid in September.
The minister also outlined broader efforts to upgrade railway infrastructure, including improvements to stations, platforms and passenger facilities. He revealed that a comprehensive digitisation process of Pakistan Railways is underway and is expected to be completed within a month, aiming to enhance transparency and service delivery.
Abbasi further disclosed that Pakistan Railways has signed an agreement with the Punjab government to expand and modernise rail services across the province. The initiative includes the introduction of fast and regional train routes as well as modern, state of the art rolling stock. Under the agreement, the Punjab government will provide advanced Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) locomotives.
In addition to domestic upgrades, the minister highlighted plans to expand international rail connectivity. He said Pakistan is set to initiate development of a railway link connecting Central Asia and Europe via Iran. Work on the 900-kilometre Rohri Naukundi section has already begun, while the tendering process for the 87 kilometre Naukundi Taftan track is in progress.
Responding to queries, Abbasi noted that a separate project to connect Thar coalfields to the railway network is also underway. The rail link between Islamkot and Chhor is expected to be completed by the end of the year, which will facilitate the transportation of coal and support energy production.
Commenting on regional developments, the minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have gained global recognition, particularly in easing tensions in the Middle East. He credited the country’s leadership and armed forces for playing a key role in promoting peace and stability.
Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, speaking at the event, emphasised the importance of Pakistan Railways as an affordable mode of transport for the public. He added that the rail network plays a vital role in connecting different regions of the country, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening national unity.
Officials and experts view the Rohri Karachi upgrade as part of a broader strategy to revitalise Pakistan Railways, improve logistics and support economic growth through enhanced connectivity both within the country and beyond.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the establishment of two large forest zones near Karachi and Hyderabad, each spanning 10,000 acres, as part of a broader strategy to tackle environmental pollution and enhance green cover across the province.
Chairing a meeting of the Forest Department, the chief minister observed that vast stretches of forest land around both cities remain underutilized despite increasing environmental degradation and urban pollution. He instructed officials to bring these areas under large-scale afforestation initiatives.
Under the proposed plan, two separate forest blocks will be developed, each covering 10,000 acres. The chief minister also emphasized the use of modern irrigation techniques, including drip irrigation systems, to ensure sustainable plantation growth.
During the briefing, Forest Department Secretary Asif Hyder Shah informed the meeting that Sindh’s total forest area stands at approximately 3.3 million acres, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the province’s total land. This includes mangrove forests, riverine forests, irrigation plantations, rangelands, and coastal vegetation.
He also shared details on forest distribution and ongoing plantation campaigns, highlighting previous achievements such as large scale mangrove plantations and record tree planting drives.
Murad Ali Shah set a new target of planting one million mangroves, with a province wide plantation campaign scheduled to commence on March 23. Officials further noted that hundreds of thousands of trees have already been planted in recent years across different categories, alongside efforts to expand nurseries and promote linear plantations.
The chief minister also directed strict action against lease violations and encroachments on forest land, stressing the importance of protecting existing green cover and ensuring effective land management.