Karachi Division

Karachi : ReNews Pakistan
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday directed the city mayor and relevant authorities to complete the Karimabad and Munawar Chowrangi underpasses within one month and make them operational for public use, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance Karachi’s urban transport infrastructure.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting reviewing the progress of the city’s development portfolio for the financial year 2025–26. Officials informed the chief minister that the Karimabad Underpass project, which was launched in May 2023, has achieved approximately 85 percent physical progress despite delays caused by technical challenges. The project was originally scheduled for completion within 10 months, with an expected opening in October 2024.
The Munawar Chowrangi Underpass, also initiated in 2023, is part of the broader urban mobility improvement plan designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity across densely populated commercial and residential areas.
The chief minister emphasized the importance of timely completion, noting that these underpasses will play a vital role in facilitating smoother traffic movement, improving accessibility to surrounding commercial zones, and supporting Karachi’s expanding urban infrastructure. Authorities were instructed to accelerate remaining construction work while ensuring quality and safety standards before opening the projects to commuters.

Karachi : ReNews Pakistan
Senior Minister of Sindh, Sharjeel Inam Memon, has directed authorities to accelerate construction work on the BRT Red Line corridor and ensure strict implementation of an alternative traffic management plan to minimise disruption across major urban zones.
During a project review, the minister instructed officials to expedite on-ground development activities, including corridor preparation, structural works, and alignment-related land adjustments, to maintain the overall project schedule. He emphasised that timely completion of infrastructure is essential to improve urban connectivity and optimise land use along one of the city’s key transport arteries.
Officials were also directed to ensure that designated alternative traffic routes remain fully operational to facilitate uninterrupted movement across adjoining residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas affected by construction activities. The traffic diversion strategy is aimed at reducing congestion and maintaining accessibility for businesses and commuters during the ongoing development phase. The Red Line corridor, which runs along a major central alignment, involves coordinated infrastructure execution, including dedicated bus lanes, stations, utility relocation, and road restructuring. Authorities confirmed that continuous monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to ensure construction progress remains aligned with approved timelines.
The Sindh government reaffirmed its commitment to completing the project efficiently, noting that the corridor will significantly enhance transport accessibility, strengthen urban mobility infrastructure, and support long-term development along adjacent land corridors once operational.

Karachi : ReNews Pakistan
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab confirmed that traders affected by the Gul Plaza incident have been provided with alternative commercial spaces at key locations across the city, enabling them to resume business operations without delay.
In the initial phase, approximately 350 traders have been accommodated in temporary stalls at Baradari and other strategically selected urban commercial sites. These arrangements ensure continuity in commercial activity while maintaining public access to essential trading hubs. All temporary sites have been equipped with regulated parking, security, and civic infrastructure to provide a safe and orderly commercial environment for both traders and customers.
Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah stated that affected traders are also being provided temporary financial assistance of up to PKR 5 lakh per month. Additionally, following approval from the Sindh Chief Minister, an initial compensation process of up to PKR 7 billion has been initiated to support traders during this transitional period. Trader registration and allocation of spaces have been completed in coordination with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, ensuring a transparent and organized process.
Authorities have mandated strict compliance with fire safety and structural regulations across all temporary and permanent commercial premises. Measures include maintaining clear emergency exits, availability of fire extinguishers, and adherence to safety standards. Property owners and site administrators have been instructed to ensure full enforcement, with accountability emphasized for any violations.
These measures are part of a broader initiative to safeguard urban commercial properties, maintain continuity in trading activities, and support affected business owners in the aftermath of the incident. By providing structured temporary spaces, financial support, and enforcing safety standards, the government aims to reinforce Karachi’s commercial framework, ensuring the efficient and secure use of city-owned and private commercial assets.