Sindh Province

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Friday laid the foundation stone of a major road rehabilitation project in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, announcing that the Rs1.6 billion initiative will significantly improve commuting conditions for hundreds of thousands of daily travelers.
Speaking at the ceremony, the mayor said the project focuses on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of a key road corridor that connects several important routes of the metropolis, including access to Jinnah International Airport, Sharea Faisal, and the Korangi Industrial Area. He said the initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and provide smoother travel for commuters who rely on the route for daily movement across the city.
According to officials, the project will involve complete road rehabilitation, resurfacing, improvement of drainage infrastructure, and upgrading of traffic management features to ensure long-term durability. Authorities said the scheme is part of broader efforts by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to restore major road networks that have deteriorated due to heavy traffic and seasonal rains.
Mayor Wahab stated that improving Karachi’s road infrastructure remains a priority for the city administration, noting that multiple road rehabilitation and uplift schemes are being launched across different districts to enhance urban mobility and address long-standing civic issues.
He added that once completed, the Gulistan-e-Jauhar rehabilitation project will help streamline traffic flow on one of the city’s busiest corridors, benefiting residents, industrial transport, and commuters travelling between residential areas and commercial zones. Officials expressed hope that the upgraded road network will also support economic activity by facilitating smoother connectivity between residential neighborhoods and industrial areas.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan has held the administration of Gul Plaza responsible for the loss of lives in the recent fire incident, citing serious violations of building safety protocols and failure to implement basic fire prevention measures.
According to the fire department, the building management failed to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to fire safety. Officials said the absence of an immediate public announcement about the fire delayed evacuation, leaving several people trapped inside the building during the emergency.
The chief fire officer further stated that emergency exits were either blocked or inaccessible, which prevented occupants from evacuating the building safely. In addition, electricity was reportedly disconnected without first ensuring the evacuation of people trapped inside, further complicating rescue operations.
Authorities noted that commercial buildings are required to maintain functional fire safety systems, including clearly marked emergency exits, alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and evacuation protocols. The failure to comply with these requirements can significantly increase the risk of casualties during fire emergencies.
The fire department emphasized that strict adherence to building safety regulations and emergency response procedures is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials have called for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards in commercial buildings across the city to ensure public safety.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Karachi’s traffic police have announced that several major roads in the city will remain closed on Friday due to security arrangements for Quds Day rallies. According to a statement from the Office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Traffic, a religious group will hold a “Youm-e-Quds Rally” after Friday prayers, marching from Numaish Chowrangi to Aman Tower.
As per the advisory, the road from Boat Basin towards Jinnah Bridge will remain closed, while the M.T. Khan Road from PIDC to Jinnah Bridge will also be closed in both directions.
Traffic police have suggested alternative routes to ensure smooth traffic flow: Travelers from Teen-Hatti to Tower can use Gurumandar, Soldier Bazaar, Bahadur Yar Jung Road, Holy Family Hospital, or turn left at Banori Signal towards PP Chowrangi and Corridor-3.
From Nazimabad to Tower, commuters can take Lasbella, turn right onto Nishtar Road, and continue via Ranchore Lines and Civil Hospital.
From Fresco Chowk or Eidgah Chowk to Numaish, commuters can go via Tibbi Chowk and turn right to Regal Chowk and Empress Market, or left towards Jubilee, Agha Khan III Road, and Soldier Bazaar.
Traffic from Daudpota Road or Lucky Star heading to Numaish will be diverted at Preedy Chowk towards Saddar Dawakhana, PP Chowrangi, then left to Regal Chowk.
Travelers from Garden Zoo to Zaibunnisa Street are advised to use Agha Khan III Road, Coast Guard, Bahadur Yar Jung Road, Soldier Bazaar, or Uncle Saria Hospital before turning right to Saeed Manzil.
Traffic from Boat Basin to M.A. Jinnah Road will be diverted through a U-turn, while vehicles from PIDC towards Jinnah Bridge will be redirected to Khajoor Chowk. Traffic from Jinnah Bridge will be diverted to I.I. Chundrigar Road.
Traffic police personnel will be deployed along the routes to guide commuters and maintain traffic flow. The advisory applies to Karachi’s South and West districts. Citizens have been urged to follow alternative routes and contact the Traffic Police Helpline 1915 for assistance.
The Sindh government has declared 13 March a public holiday across the province to facilitate the observance of Al-Quds Day. All government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils will remain closed, except for essential services.
According to Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Al-Quds Day is observed globally to show solidarity with Palestinians and protest Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Karachi authorities have arranged rallies and gatherings to mark the occasion. The main rally will start from Numaish Chowrangi around 2:00 pm and conclude on M.A. Jinnah Road after evening prayers.