Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Sindh government has approved the construction of a modern terminal for trucks, trailers and heavy loading vehicles outside Karachi, along with a dedicated heavy vehicle corridor from Karachi Port to the proposed terminal on the Northern Bypass.
The approval was granted during a meeting of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting reviewed and approved several major transport and infrastructure projects aimed at improving mobility, reducing congestion and modernizing public transport in the province.
According to officials, the heavy vehicle terminal on the Northern Bypass will provide a proper facility for trucks and trailers operating in and around Karachi. The project is expected to reduce the movement of heavy vehicles inside the city and help ease traffic pressure on major roads.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the proposed terminal and dedicated corridor would play an important role in improving Karachi’s transport system. He said the government was working on long term solutions to manage heavy traffic, improve road safety and provide better transport facilities to citizens.
The meeting also approved the launch of an electric vehicle taxi service in Karachi. Authorities were directed to speed up the financial evaluation process for the project during the current month.
In another major decision, the board approved the purchase of 50 new double decker buses for Karachi. Each bus will have the capacity to carry 126 passengers. Officials said the new buses would help reduce pressure on the city’s public transport network and provide better commuting options for citizens.
The Sindh government also approved the purchase of 500 additional pink electric scooters for women. Sharjeel Memon said the scooters would be distributed in Hyderabad on May 22. He added that the initiative had contributed significantly to women’s empowerment by improving their access to safe and independent mobility.
The board further approved the procurement of 500 electric buses under a public private partnership model. Out of these, 450 buses will operate on 25 routes in Karachi, while 50 buses will run on five routes in Hyderabad.
As part of the province’s wider electric transport plan, the Sindh government also decided to establish five modern EV depots. Four of these depots will be set up in Karachi, while one will be established in Hyderabad.
The meeting also approved the construction of a one story parking plaza near Mola Ali Qadam Gah in Hyderabad. In addition, it was decided that all future traffic signals in Sindh would operate on solar power.
Officials said the approved projects reflect the provincial government’s focus on sustainable transport, traffic management and modern urban mobility. The initiatives are expected to improve public transport services, reduce congestion and promote cleaner transport solutions in Karachi and Hyderabad.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi has directed the authorities concerned to remove all illegal billboards, banners, hoardings and gantries installed on public property across the city, in line with the orders of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the commissioner in Karachi, attended by all deputy commissioners through video link, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Sajjad Abro, Regional Director Local Government Ramazan Pathan, senior officers of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Town Municipal Administrations and Cantonment Boards. Representatives of the Outdoor Advertising Trade Association and Sindh Outdoor Advertisers Association also attended the meeting.
During the briefing, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Sajjad Abro informed the meeting about the superior courts’ orders regarding billboards installed on public properties. He also presented details of illegal billboards, banners, gantries and hoardings identified in different parts of the city.
Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi made it clear that billboards, gantries and hoardings installed on public properties are illegal and must be removed without delay. He directed all relevant departments to stop such violations and take action against those responsible.
The meeting decided that deputy commissioners, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Town Municipal Administrations and Cantonment Boards will ensure strict implementation of the Supreme Court and High Court orders regarding illegal publicity material. It was also decided that cases will be registered against concerned officers and advertising agencies found violating court orders.
The meeting further agreed that unsafe billboards, banners, hoardings and gantries installed on private properties will also be treated as illegal if they pose a risk to public safety.
To address the issue, vigilance committees will be formed in all towns and relevant departments. These committees will include technical experts and reputable architects who will inspect billboards and hoardings to determine whether they meet safety standards.
The commissioner directed that all unsafe billboards and hoardings must be removed before the monsoon season to prevent accidents during rain, strong winds or storms.
Syed Hasan Naqvi also expressed concern over the existing testing standards for billboards, calling them unsatisfactory. He said these standards need to be reviewed and improved to ensure public safety.
He warned that if any accident occurs during the monsoon due to an unsafe billboard, the concerned municipal commissioner or responsible officer will be held accountable. Legal action will be taken, and cases will be registered against those found responsible.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Karachi is set to witness a major addition to its skyline as DHA City Karachi and ABS Developers have finalized an agreement for the development of Burj Quaid, an 82 storey high rise project planned within DHA City.
According to project details, Burj Quaid is expected to rise 941 feet above the ground, which would make it the tallest building in Pakistan once completed. The project will spread over nearly six acres and is expected to be completed within six years.
Officials associated with the development believe the project has the potential to strengthen Karachi’s commercial landscape, attract local and foreign investment, and support the growth of modern urban infrastructure in the city. The tower is being viewed as a landmark project that could further establish Karachi as a major centre for high rise and mixed use development in Pakistan.
The announcement comes at a time when interest in vertical development is increasing across major Pakistani cities, particularly Karachi and Islamabad, where land pressure and expanding commercial needs are pushing developers and public institutions toward high rise projects.
Earlier, the Pakistan Airport Authority revealed plans to construct what could become Islamabad’s tallest building in Blue Area. The authority intends to develop a multi storey aviation and commercial complex on its 9,000 square yard plot.
According to documents submitted to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed Aviation Complex will include airline headquarters, Pakistan Airport Authority offices, conference facilities, banks, food courts, hotel accommodation, an aviation museum, fitness and recreational facilities, and an art gallery.
Islamabad is already home to several prominent high rise projects. These include the under construction Garden Residential Apartment Project in F 10 Markaz, which is expected to stand 470 feet tall with 42 storeys. Other major towers in the capital include The Centaurus and One Constitution Avenue.
The planned Burj Quaid project, however, is expected to place Karachi at the forefront of Pakistan’s high rise development trend, marking a significant milestone in the country’s evolving real estate and urban infrastructure sector.