Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
A Senate committee has raised serious concerns over the diversion of Rs 45 million originally allocated for the restoration and development of Mazar e Quaid to the Ministry of Education, directing the federal government to ensure that funds designated for the country's most prominent national monument are not transferred to any other ministry.
The matter came under discussion during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain. Officials informed the committee that the amount allocated in the current fiscal year for development work at Mazar e Quaid had been shifted to the Ministry of Education, prompting strong objections from committee members.
During the meeting, officials also briefed lawmakers on a federally approved Rs 295 million project aimed at the renovation, restoration and upgradation of the Quaid e Azam Heritage Museum located within the Mazar e Quaid complex. The project is intended to preserve the historical significance of the site while improving museum facilities for visitors and future generations.
Committee members were informed that despite the approval of the project, no funds had been released in previous years. The current fiscal year marked the first allocation of Rs 45 million to initiate development activities. However, the committee was told that the amount had subsequently been redirected to the Ministry of Education, delaying the commencement of the planned work.
Lawmakers expressed surprise and dissatisfaction over the decision, questioning the rationale behind transferring funds that had been specifically approved for the preservation of a national heritage site. They stressed that allocations made for one public project should not be diverted to unrelated ministries without proper justification.
Chairman Senator Zamir Hussain directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all development funds allocated for Mazar e Quaid remain dedicated to the approved restoration and museum upgrade project. He emphasized that preserving the country's historical landmarks is a national responsibility and that financial resources earmarked for such projects must be protected.
The committee also announced that it would closely monitor the release and utilization of funds in the coming months to ensure that the restoration and modernization of the Quaid e Azam Heritage Museum proceeds without further delays. Lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan's national heritage and ensuring transparency in the use of public development funds.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
DHA City Karachi has become the first privately owned housing project in Pakistan to receive regulatory approval for distributing and supplying electricity within its own boundaries after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) awarded the DHA Energy Supply Company (DESCO) a Distribution License and a Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) License for a period of 21 years.
The licenses cover DHA City Karachi, a master planned housing development located approximately 56 kilometers from Karachi on the M 9 Motorway in Malir District. The approval marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's power sector by allowing a private housing developer to operate as an electricity distributor under NEPRA's Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) framework.
DESCO is the first privately owned company in the country to receive both Distribution and SoLR licenses under the revised regulatory regime. These responsibilities have traditionally been carried out by former WAPDA distribution companies and K Electric.
According to the application submitted to NEPRA, DHA City Karachi currently has no direct connection to either the national electricity grid or K Electric's existing distribution network. To meet its initial electricity requirements, DESCO has reached an agreement to procure 6 megawatts of power from Lucky Cement Limited, the nearest available generation source. The electricity will be transmitted through K Electric's network before being supplied to residential, commercial and other consumers within DHA City Karachi.
The licensing process faced objections from the Central Power Purchasing Agency, Gujranwala Electric Power Company and K Electric. The organizations questioned DESCO's financial capacity, technical expertise and lack of operational experience as a newly established company.
After reviewing the case, NEPRA rejected the objections, stating that DESCO had fulfilled the necessary legal and regulatory requirements for obtaining the licenses. The regulator also clarified that the approval applies exclusively to electricity distribution and supply within DHA City Karachi and does not extend beyond the project's boundaries.
Although K Electric continues to hold Distribution and Supplier of Last Resort licenses for Karachi until June 2044, NEPRA noted that these licenses have been non exclusive since the end of K Electric's monopoly in 2023, allowing other qualified entities to operate under the regulatory framework.
NEPRA further directed that DESCO will only be permitted to charge electricity tariffs, connection fees and use of system charges that are approved by the regulator, ensuring consumer protection and regulatory oversight.
Addressing concerns about DESCO's financial strength, NEPRA acknowledged that the company has yet to commence commercial operations. However, it observed that DESCO is backed by DHA Karachi, a financially strong parent organization capable of providing financial support whenever required. The regulator added that it is common practice for newly incorporated companies to begin operations with minimum paid up capital and expand their financial base after starting commercial activities.
The authority expressed confidence that DESCO's financial position would improve once it begins electricity distribution and supply operations. It also emphasized that the company will be required to comply with all applicable technical, operational and regulatory standards, with specific compliance obligations incorporated into the terms and conditions of its Distribution License.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Construction has officially commenced on what is set to become Pakistan’s tallest building, with the foundation stone laid for the Burj Quaid project in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority. The landmark development will consist of twin 82 storey towers and is expected to establish a new benchmark for high rise construction and urban development in the country.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Administrator of DHA Karachi, the Administrator of DHA City, senior government officials, prominent builders, developers and representatives of the real estate sector. The project will be developed across six acres within the DHA Golf Club and is being positioned as one of the most ambitious real estate developments in Pakistan.
Project officials confirmed that all required approvals for the high rise towers have been obtained from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, clearing the way for construction to move forward.
Speaking at the ceremony, DHA City Administrator Brigadier Kashif Naeem described Burj Quaid as a landmark investment that would contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth while showcasing world class architecture and modern urban planning. He said the project is expected to transform the construction sector and stimulate commercial and residential activity across DHA and surrounding areas.
He also invited local and overseas investors to explore investment opportunities in DHA City, highlighting its secure environment, modern infrastructure and long term development potential for businesses and housing projects.
Officials said the project is expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, providing a significant boost to the local economy. They added that DHA City is also witnessing the development of major public welfare projects, including the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and a Dow Hospital, further enhancing the area's appeal as an integrated urban destination.
ABS Developers Chief Executive Officer Dr Subiel Akram said Burj Quaid reflects the company's commitment to supporting Pakistan's economic development through large scale real estate investment. He noted that the company has consistently completed previous projects ahead of schedule and currently serves more than 20,000 members.
According to the developers, Burj Quaid is designed to place Pakistan among the leading destinations for modern urban development by introducing internationally recognised standards in architecture, construction quality and mixed use real estate development.