Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
As part of the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit extension from Numaish to Jama Cloth Market, authorities have decided to permanently close two out of four traffic signals on MA Jinnah Road, a move that is likely to intensify traffic congestion along one of Karachi’s busiest commercial corridors.
Work is currently underway to extend the Green Line route up to the Vary Park area near Jama Cloth. Under the revised corridor design, the traffic signals near Taj Complex and Rabit Centre will be removed to allow uninterrupted movement of BRT buses and streamline the dedicated transit lane.
The remaining two signals will operate according to the timing of Green, Red and Yellow Line buses. Transport planners indicate that buses may be given priority passage at intervals of nearly one minute, during which general traffic will be halted. Urban mobility experts warn that such frequent stoppages could significantly slow the flow of private vehicles, motorcycles and public transport.
The redesign is also expected to reduce the number of U-turns for regular traffic between Numaish and Jama Cloth, limiting access to adjoining markets and commercial streets. The area, which includes major wholesale and retail hubs, already experiences heavy daily footfall and vehicular load. Traders fear that restricted connectivity may affect business activity and delivery movement.
Urban planning analysts note that while the BRT system is intended to improve public transport efficiency, inadequate integration with mixed traffic and insufficient alternate routes could create bottlenecks on the main artery. They stress that balancing mass transit priorities with overall road capacity is critical for sustainable traffic management.
Earlier proposals for an elevated road and underpasses along MA Jinnah Road were shelved following public objections and funding constraints. The current common corridor approach is now being seen as a key test for Karachi’s urban transport planning and land-use coordination.
Authorities maintain that traffic conditions are expected to stabilise after project completion, but commuters have been advised to anticipate delays and use alternative routes during the transition period.

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.