Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Sindh cabinet has approved development schemes worth Rs 11.198 billion for major road and bridge connectivity projects in Karachi, as part of a broader push to improve urban infrastructure and ease traffic pressure across the city.
The approval was granted during a cabinet meeting chaired by the Sindh chief minister. According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s House, the approved schemes will be executed under the Karachi Mega Project and funded through the “New Development Initiatives” allocation of the Annual Development Programme for financial year 2025-26.
The projects include the rehabilitation, improvement and widening of several important roads and transport corridors in different parts of Karachi. These include Haji Ibrahim Essa Road, Haji Camp Road, Korangi Link Road and roads in Clifton connecting to Marine Drive. Development work has also been approved for Mehran Road and Pajero Road in Scheme 33, Korangi Creek Airbase Road, the extension of Jinnah Avenue in Gulzar-i-Hijri and Baldia Stadium Road, which connects Shahrah i Orangi with Hub River Road.
Officials said the road improvement schemes are aimed at strengthening Karachi’s internal connectivity, reducing travel time and improving access between residential, commercial and industrial areas. The selected routes are considered important for daily commuters, public transport movement and commercial activity.
In addition to road rehabilitation, the cabinet also approved the construction of two major bridges in the city. One bridge will be built at Power House Chowrangi in North Karachi, while the second will be constructed at 4-K Chowrangi in Surjani Town. Both locations are considered high-traffic points where congestion has remained a persistent issue for commuters.
To begin implementation, the cabinet sanctioned an initial release of Rs 560 million, which is around five percent of the total estimated cost of the approved Karachi infrastructure schemes. The amount will be released from the current ADP allocation to allow relevant departments to start preparatory and execution work.
The chief minister directed the concerned departments to ensure timely execution of all approved schemes and maintain quality standards during construction. He said development projects must be completed within the given timelines so that citizens can benefit from improved road infrastructure without unnecessary delays.
Separately, the Sindh cabinet also approved Rs 8.824 billion for water supply and drainage schemes across the province. Officials said the funds will be used for multiple projects aimed at upgrading water and sanitation systems in both urban and rural areas.
The cabinet also approved a new framework for receiving Sindh’s 12.5 percent natural gas royalty in kind on a field-to-field basis, instead of receiving it entirely in cash. Officials briefed the meeting that the proposed arrangement could generate an additional Rs 26 billion annually for the provincial government.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched an inquiry into the alleged illegal issuance of no objection certificates by the Sindh Building Control Authority for marriage halls and marquees in Karachi, along with the reported construction of commercial buildings on amenity plots.
According to available details, NAB has taken notice of complaints regarding illegal commercial activity, misuse of public and amenity spaces and failure of the relevant authorities to act against unauthorized constructions. The bureau has sought a detailed report from SBCA on alleged violations, financial losses to the national exchequer and reasons behind the authority’s lack of effective enforcement.
In its communication to the Sindh Building Control Authority, NAB also pointed out that previous requests for information had not been properly answered. The anti graft body has now asked the authority to submit a comprehensive report covering illegal NOCs, enforcement gaps and action taken against unauthorized marriage halls, marquees and commercial structures.
The inquiry comes amid growing concern among residents, urban rights activists, legal experts and business stakeholders over the unchecked commercialization of residential areas in Karachi. Critics say illegal wedding venues and commercial buildings have increased traffic congestion, worsened environmental conditions and placed additional pressure on the city’s already fragile civic infrastructure.
An SBCA spokesperson said the authority has started a city-wide survey to identify illegal marriage halls and marquees. According to the spokesperson, data is being collected from different districts of Karachi and a consolidated report will be shared with the relevant institutions after completion of the exercise.
However, several stakeholders have raised questions over the effectiveness and fairness of the ongoing survey. They argue that many illegal structures are already known to the authorities, while legitimate business operators continue to face repeated documentation requirements, inspections and regulatory pressure.
The All Karachi Marriage Hall, Lawn and Banquet Owners Association has also expressed serious concern over the growing number of unauthorized wedding venues.
Association president Rana Raees Ahmed said nearly 200 illegal ballrooms are operating in residential buildings without proper fire exits, structural safety measures or regulatory approvals.
He described such venues as serious safety hazards and warned that they could become death traps in case of fire, emergency or structural failure. He said lawful marriage halls are required to comply with building regulations and safety standards, while illegal operators continue to function freely due to weak enforcement and administrative negligence.
The NAB inquiry is expected to increase pressure on civic and building control authorities in Karachi, where urban planning violations have become a major public concern. Civic stakeholders say unregulated commercialization must be addressed through transparent enforcement, legal scrutiny and strict action against those responsible for approving or protecting illegal structures.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Protection of Properties of Overseas Pakistanis Act 2024 has been enforced to safeguard the properties of Pakistanis living abroad, under which special courts will be established across the country.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the new law is aimed at protecting the properties of overseas Pakistanis from illegal occupation, forgery and property related disputes. A special judicial mechanism will be introduced under the law to ensure the speedy disposal of such cases.
According to the statement, overseas Pakistanis will be provided full legal rights regarding their properties so they can effectively take part in the protection of their assets and legal proceedings while living abroad.
The new law will also provide the facility of electronic filing, allowing overseas Pakistanis to submit applications and relevant documents online. In addition, the facility of participation in hearings through video link will also be provided so applicants can pursue their cases without travelling to Pakistan.
Officials said the establishment of special courts would help speed up the resolution of illegal occupation and ownership disputes involving properties, while also strengthening the confidence of overseas Pakistanis in the legal system.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the law is an important step for the protection of the interests of overseas Pakistanis, as a large number of Pakistanis living abroad have long been facing issues such as property occupation, forged documents and delays in court proceedings.
Officials said that after the enforcement of the new law, property related complaints would be handled on a priority basis, while efforts would be made to make the legal process more transparent, effective and accessible.