CDA to Turn in the Cases of Illegal Housing Societies to FIA

CDA to Turn in the Cases of Illegal Housing Societies to FIA

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The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is determined to turn over cases of unlawful and illegal housing societies to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

On Monday, CDA Chairman Amir Ali Ahmed presided over a meeting. There was an agreement that they need to take stern action against illegal housing schemes that were looting people in the name of the CDA and the Islamabad administration.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Hamza Shafqat, Chief Metropolitan Officer of the Municipal Corporation of Islamabad (MCI), and other relevant officials.

Also Read: CDA will launch a new bus service For Islamabad Citizens

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Housing Societies In Karachi Are Getting Troubled As Cattle Market

Housing Societies In Karachi Are Getting Troubled As Cattle Market

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Our news reporter informed that housing societies of Karachi are getting troubled as cattle markets creep in. the residents of the housing societies have filed many complaints, but no one took any action. With Eidul Azha approaching, plenty of informal cattle markets have extended up across the city to sell sacrificial animals, invading residential spaces and disturbing people’s movement.

This year, the Sohrab Goth Maweshi Mandi, Pakistan’s largest cattle market, was established in front of the housing societies in Scheme-33.

On the other hand, the vast cattle market has crept into the heart of the neighborhood, causing traffic jams and making it hard for inhabitants of the housing societies in Karachi to reach their homes without passes provided by the market’s administration.

Our reporter further added, They have put up a market right at the entrance and have begun misbehaving with residents and tourists alike. They are imposing hefty parking and entrance fees on the residents, which is completely illegal. The organizers charge Rs6000 for an access card to cover the costs of the guards posted at all entry and exit points protecting the market’s boundaries.

Read more: NEPRA Approves a 21 Paisa Reduction in Disco Tariffs

 

Last year, the Sindh High Court issued a stay order banning the market’s administration from setting up stalls near housing societies in Karachi, but law enforcement has been poor, allowing organizers to take up places with permission.

If the shelters are not removed, residents have threatened to protest on the highway. The organizers have placed barriers on the road leading to the housing society, according to Kokab Baig, a resident, and it is “manned by uncivilized staff, who habitually misbehaves with the residents.

Another homeowner, Asif Jahangir, expressed his displeasure by saying that his son’s wedding ceremony was scheduled for July 25, but he is concerned about whether visitors would be allowed to attend due to the market’s careless expansion and disturbances.

The situation is expected to grow in the days running up to Eidul Azha when the number of visitors would rise. The locals are expecting large crowds at the cattle auction.

Another homeowner, Munawar, believes that placing a cattle market right in front of the housing societies in Karachi will convert it into a garbage dump, 

Severe fights have also occurred between the cattle market’s guards and the nearby inhabitants who have been affected.

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The second trilateral Speakers' Conference will be held in Pakistan in 2022

The second trilateral Speakers’ Conference will be held in Pakistan in 2022

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Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, The Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, hosted the first Trilateral meeting in Parliaments of the Speakers of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital.

The discussion emphasized the importance of current relations between Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey, which are on brotherhood, historical and cultural links, mutual respect, and trust, according to a communiqué received from Baku Azerbaijan on Wednesday. The Forum also highlighted the importance of expanding parliamentary discussion and collaboration between the three countries into developing further the sister states’ and nations’ existing ties.

Speaker National Assembly congratulated the leadership and people of Azerbaijan on their magnificent success in the 44-day patriotic fight during his remarks to the Conference’s Plenary Session. He went on to say that liberating occupied lands via pure tenacity, perseverance, and the people’s collective will was no simple undertaking.

National Assembly of Pakistan Speakers expressed gratitude to the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey for their support for Pakistan on the matter of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and prayed that the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir would be liberated soon.

Occupation by a foreign power He also hoped that the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir would see the dawn of liberation and revel in the air of liberty, allowing them to live in peace and prosperity.

The Second Trilateral Speakers Conference unanimously decided to be held in Islamabad in 2022.

 President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, also hosted the Speaker and delegation from Pakistan. The two parties discussed a variety of matters of mutual interest during the discussion. The Speaker advocated forming a Trilateral Forum of Commerce Ministers to strengthen trade and commercial connections between the three sister nations.

Read more: Under KPP the government intends to provide Rs1.6 trillion in loans

 

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NEPRA Approves a 21 Paisa Reduction in Disco Tariffs

NEPRA Approves a 21 Paisa Reduction in Disco Tariffs

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On Wednesday, the National Electric Electricity Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) decreased power tariffs for ex-Wapda distribution firms (Discos) by roughly 21 paisa per unit as part of the monthly fuel cost adjustment (FCA).

 

NEPRA chairman Tauseef H. Farooqui, the regulator, did not agree to a PKR 13.4 billion worth of three-year-old changes based on which the Discos had requested a monthly FCA increase of around 80 paisa per unit.

 

According to a formal notice by the regulator, the lower fuel cost would be reflected in consumer bills in the August billing month, resulting in a PKR 3 billion revenue loss for Discos. However, consumers of K-Electric and agricultural and residential Disco customers would not be subject to these charges.

 

The CPPA has sought the regulator to authorize around 80 paisa per unit higher charges to customers for power use in June 2021 under the FCA mechanism due to PKR 7.6 billion in adverse fuel price increases than pre-determined reference costs.

 

Following interrogation by NEPRA’s team, Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) CEO Muhammad Rehan indicated that roughly PKR 13.38 billion in claims lodged on account of historical adjustments, including those from March 2019 to the present. According to the methodology, around PKR 11.65 billion in operations and maintenance (O&M) expenditures were improperly incorporated into the pricing for the same period, resulting in a net excess worth of around PKR 1.7 billion. He indicated that he would include the PKR 11.65 billion in modifications in the quarterly pricing adjustment later.

 

The chairman stated that the most pressing issue was an increase in consumer burden due to three-year-old changes. The NEPRA team was concerned about the legal challenges surrounding the time-bar for FCA consideration and decided not to proceed with the previous amendments until thoroughly assessed the legal and contractual requirements. Members also expressed concern about the costs associated with transmission system constraints and expressed dissatisfaction that power company stakeholders were not liable for financial and technical constraints.

 

In answer to a question about last month’s frequent and prolonged load-shedding owing to fuel mismanagement, NEPRA’s chairman argued that the fuel shortage was outside the power regulator’s jurisdiction. A cabinet committee was already investigating the incident.

Due to higher generation costs of energy consumed in June, the CPPA has sought an additional charge of 80 paisa per unit from Discos’ consumers, earning over PKR 11 billion in extra cash flows for power firms.

 

In June, the Discos charged consumers a reference gasoline pricing of PKR 5.93 per unit, but the actual fuel cost was PKR 6.74 per unit, according to the CPPA. , consumers should be able to get 80 paisas per unit back. The actual price of gasoline, according to NEPRA, was PKR 5.72 per unit, resulting in a 21 paisa per unit refund to clients via a subsequent bill adjustment.

Read more: LDA will collaborate with three directorates

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Under Kamyab Pakistan Programme the government intends to provide Rs1.6 trillion in loans

Under KPP the government intends to provide Rs1.6 trillion in loans

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The government has decided to launch the ambitious Kamyab Pakistan Programme (KPP), which will disburse Rs1.6 trillion in discounted loans to 4.5 million impoverished households.

 

Governments have made similar proposals in the past, but they have never been able to entice the banking sector, let alone clients, due to their failure to embrace streamlined procedures. According to an official statement, Federal Finance and Revenue Minister Shaukat Tarin led a meeting of the Kamyab Pakistan Programme (KPP) Steering Committee and Advisory Board via video-link, which was attended by

 

Dr. Waqar Masood, SAPM for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Usman Dar, RSPN Chairman Shoaib Sultan, Finance Secretary Yusuf Khan, Akhuwat Executive Director Dr. Amjad Saqib, PMN CEO Mohsin Ahmed, NRSP CEO Rashid Bajwa, HBL Chairman Sultan Ali Allana, BoP President Zafar Masud, Kashaf Foundation MD Roshaneh Zafar, Ex-SBP governor

 

The goal of the meeting was to fine-tune the procedures for the Kamyab Pakistan Program (KPP), which would begin soon. The minister greeted the private-sector participants and praised their professional abilities in their domains. He thanked everyone for their significant input/suggestions on the program and emphasized the importance of a collaborative and unified approach to ensure its success.

 

He stated that the program intends to help 4.5 million underprivileged households registered with the Ehsaas program’s National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER). In addition, entrepreneurs, tiny people in business, and farmers will obtain micro-loans with no mark-up and no collateral under the flagship program.

 

According to him, the program will help underprivileged families break the cycle of poverty. Under the “Kamyab Kissan” scheme will extend agricultural loans to farmers with landholdings of up to 12.5 acres. Micro-loans of up to Rs150,000 (per crop) would be made available to purchase agricultural inputs. Additionally, loans of up to Rs.200,000 would be made available to buy machinery and equipment. Another feature of the program is adding a new tier to the Naya Pakistan Low-Cost Housing Scheme, which loans Rs2.7 million (for NAPHDA projects) and will offer Rs2 million (for non-NAPHDA projects) at subsidized rates.

 

Similarly, “Kamyab Karobar” will grant small enterprises and start-ups loans at no cost in both urban and rural locations. The dairy, livestock, poultry, and fisheries industries will all be covered. Kamyab Karobar can take out a loan of up to Rs.500,000. Over three years, Rs1.6 trillion will disburse as part of the initiative.

 

The government’s ongoing skill development initiative for educational and vocational training, known as the “Kamyab Hunarmand” scheme, would be integrated into the program.

Read more: CDA will launch a new bus service For Islamabad Citizens

 

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CDA will launch a new bus service For Islamabad Citizens

CDA will launch a new bus service For Islamabad Citizens

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The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has declared to provide comfortable transportation to Islamabad citizens along several routes.

They decided in a meeting by CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed. The CDA administration is exploring a project called “Islamabad Bus Service” to give modern and quality transport amenities to Islamabad residents, which will launch following final permission from the Federal Cabinet, according to a CDA official.

CDA will first add 30 buses to the project, but this number will be increased soon. In addition, Soan Interchange will connect to Faisal Masjid, Bhara Kahu will connect to Faiz Ahmed Faiz Metro Bus Station, and Tarnol Railway Station will connect to N-5 Metro Bus Station.

There will be 64 stops (stations) with modern and tight security systems on the routes, as well as a tuck shop and public restrooms at each bus stop (station). It should mention that all of the buses will have air conditioning and a seating capacity of 70 people, with priority seats reserved for ladies and special needs passengers. Separate parking areas and depots will build for the three bus routes and bus filling facilities that will assist the general public and refilling the buses.

 

In addition, advertising signboards will be put at each bus stop (station), allowing the corporation to receive income. The CDA administration will purchase buses, construct bus stops (stations), rehabilitate them, and build depots and parking places, while the Metro Command and Control Centre will manage the project. After receiving formal clearance from the federal cabinet, the project will be open to the public by December.

Read more: LDA will collaborate with three directorates

 

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LDA will collaborate with three directorates

LDA will collaborate with three directorates

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The business of three directorates integrated for the convenience of LDA inhabitants, and the Directorate of Land Development Two, LDA City, and State Management Avenue One dissolved and reformed.

 

The LDA Directorate of Land Development II was reformed and renamed Director Housing III, according to details. Housing III will handle all of the affairs of Allama Iqbal Town and Mustafa Town. In addition, housing III gave land development and estate management capabilities.

 

The DG LDA likewise dissolved the LDA City Directorate. The LDA City Directorate renames it the Housing Nine Directorate. Within the parameters, the Directorate of Housing Nine will be responsible for LDA City’s file, allocation, allotment, and schemes. DG LDA has also disbanded the Directorate of State Management Avenue One.

 

Avenue One, Jubilee Town, and Mohalnawal Scheme are all part of Housing 8. The new directorate will have responsibility for all land records, estate management, and plots.

Ali Bin Sohail, Acting Director of Administration, issued the notification.

Read more: China and Pakistan are currently discussing funding for ML-1 Project

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Roads are cleared hours after a cloudburst drenched the city - DC Islamabad

Roads are cleared hours after a cloudburst drenched the city – DC Islamabad

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Following a cloudburst that caused widespread flooding in the city, the district administration in Islamabad stated that it had cleared roadways in the federal capital after being flooded for hours.

 

According to the information posted on the Twitter account of deputy commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat, the water cleaned from the E-11 area of Islamabad, which saw the highest flooding. In collaboration with the military forces, it stated that the civil administration is assisting in the sector of the E-11 rescue effort, which includes the use of heavy gear to drain the water from the streets.

 

The traffic police also announced that all roads in Islamabad have reopened to traffic and are seeing normal traffic flow. The capital of Islamabad was battered by torrential streams overnight, raising worries of high-level flooding in Lai Nullah as Army forces and supplies arrived to rescue civilians.

 

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that rescue teams from the forces had arrived in the areas most hit by the flooding caused by rainfall and streams. Flooding has occurred in Lai Nullah, Sector E11, necessitating the deployment of Army personnel to assist in the rescue effort.

Read more: FFD issues a flood warning for the Chenab and Ravi rivers

 

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FFD issues a flood warning for the Chenab and Ravi rivers

FFD issues a flood warning for the Chenab and Ravi rivers

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According to the Flood Forecasting Division, a medium flood is likely in the Chenab and Ravi rivers within the next three days due to significant catchment areas.

According to FFD, the river Indus flows at 2,73,000 cusecs at Tarbela Dam, while the water flow at Maralla headworks has risen to 1,08000 cusecs.

According to the flood forecasting authority, the Jhelum river had a water flow of 45,000 cusecs in Mangla, while the Ravi had a flow of 36,00 cusecs at Shahdara.

It is worth noting that Islamabad endured disastrous rainfall last night due to a cloudburst, with up to 330 mm of rain falling on Pakistan’s capital city. The FFD had previously warned of high to very high floods in the Jhelum and Chenab rivers in late July. The flood warning issued by the FFD stated that the water flow in the Jhelum River at upstream Mangla could increase to a high to very high flood level from July 28 to 30.

Read more: As a result of a cloudburst, Islamabad has been flooded

 

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China and Pakistan are currently discussing funding for ML-1 Project

China and Pakistan are currently discussing funding for ML-1 Project

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Pakistan has publicly requested that China provide loans in USD rather than Chinese RMB to construct the much-anticipated Mainline-1 (ML-1) rail line from Karachi to Peshawar or that a combination of both currencies be acceptable for moving forward.

 

Authorities have officially communicated five significant points to Beijing to agree on a finance deal for the multibillion-dollar, strategically crucial ML-1 project within the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On the other hand, Pakistan has officially responded to China’s request to finalize the funding deal for the ML-1 project. For the convenience of the Chinese side, the Chinese side wants to give a loan for ML-1 in RMB currency. However, Islamabad has declared that a loan in US dollars or a combination of US dollars and RMB currencies is preferred.

 

China has also offered Pakistan a package of attractive terms and conditions and commercial loans for the building of the ML-1 project. Still, the Pakistani side is only interested in granting lenient terms. The Pakistani side informed China that the Framework Agreement for ML-1 provides that, as a strategic project, Beijing will offer funding on more accessible terms. The project is about to finance on concessional terms by the Chinese side, following this stipulation. Therefore, in comparison to past CPEC Infrastructure projects, Pakistan will accept better funding terms.

 

There are disagreements over the Chinese part of the loan for the project’s construction, as Pakistan had initially requested a 90 percent Chinese share and a 10% Pakistani share. On the other hand, the Chinese side recommended that China’s share by 85 percent and Pakistan’s part be 15 percent for the ML-1 project’s construction. After tense talks, the Pakistani side accepted China’s offer of an 85 percent loan to cover the cost of the ML-1. The Chinese team also suggested a 15 to 20-year project duration; however, Pakistan contended that the construction of ML-1 might take ten years. The loan repayment time would take another 15 years; therefore, Islamabad proposed a 25-year loan duration with a 10-year grace period. China requested that must pay the principal and interest within six months. The Pakistani side agreed and accepted that the government would extend the guarantee to the Chinese loan amount.

 

The National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved ML-1 for $6.8 billion, with China and Pakistan contributing 90:10 percent of the cost. Package-I of ML-I, costing US$ 2.7 billion, included the Nawabshah-Rohri Section (183 km), Multan-Lahore Section (339 km), Lahore-Lalamusa Section (132 km), Kaluwal-Pandora Section (52 km), and up-gradation of Walton Railway Academy in Lahore.

 

The cost of upgrading the Kiamari-Hyderabad Section (182 km) and the Hyderabad-Multan Section (566 km) under Package-II approved at $2.67 billion, excluding work done on the Nawabshah-Rohri Section in Package-I. In addition, the ECNEC approved a $1.42 billion budget to build the Lalamusa-Rawalpindi Section (105 km), Rawalpindi-Peshawar Section (174 km), and the establishment of a dry port near Havelian under Package-III.

Read more: China and Pakistan want the CPEC to be built to a high standard

 

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