Pakistan's Infrastructure & Development- Updates & Discussions.

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PM to launch US 282 mln KKH re-alignment project

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf will perform the ground breaking of an ambitious 282 million dollar project for the re-alignment of 25 km long section of Karakoram Highway on Friday.

The new road would replace a section of the existing road, submerged in an artificial lake created by a massive landslide in the Hunza river, at Attabad in 2010. Keeping in view the deep strategic ties between Pakistan and China, Prime Minister Ashraf will personally launch the project. The Chinese government too has evinced keen interest in the project and pledged to provide all technical assistance.The Prime Minister will also review the development projects launched by his government in Gilgit-Baltistan and would also likely to announce some more, during his first visit to the area.Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has traditionally maintained deep ties with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, and won a heavy mandate in the polls in the region. The government has also gained their confidence, and reciprocates through several welfare projects.

 

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Attabad section will have a tunnel n bridges for this section and china will fund 97% and project completion date is 2014

 

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AJK cabinet meeting: Development schemes worth Rs3.4b approved
MIRPUR:
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Development Committee (CDC) approved development schemes worth Rs3.4 billion on Wednesday during a meeting with AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed.
PM Majeed said the government believes in indiscriminate development across the state and aims to eliminate the sense of deprivation among people living in remote areas.
For the transport and communication sector, the committee approved Rs123.302 million for improvement and widening of the 10km patch of Batlian Phagwan Road, Rs140.257 million for the 10km Lamnian Reshian Road, Rs366.748 million for different link roads in Muzaffarabad Division, Rs128.806 million for Beli Bridge on Jehlum River near Ambore, Rs307.323 million for a 4.5km patch of Khaliqabad Road in Mirpur and Rs146.486 million for a bridge on Jatli Ali Baig Road.
For the power sector, the committee allocated an amount of Rs210.764 million for the installation of solar power systems in upper Neelum and Bagh.
For the education sector, Rs282.921 million and Rs174.540 million were allocated to acquire land for Poonch University and 26 upgraded colleges respectively, along with Rs127.473 million for construction of new buildings and provision of furniture in seven newly-established middle schools in Sudhnoti district.
A total of Rs136.319 million were approved for Roli Hills scheme, Rs250 million for civil secretariat blocks in Lower Chattar, Rs354.431 million for Dadyal Bypass, Rs146.161 million for Cheechiyan Bypass, and Rs217.130 for improvement of Pir Kaladab Road and Rs290 million for Pir-Gali-Pir Godi Road.
“A number of areas have been badly affected by the recent monsoon rains and the residents are facing serious problems regarding electricity provision. Their problems must be resolved without delay and if any other scheme is needed in this connection then bring it to the forum,” the PM told the electricity secretary.
The meeting was attended by various AJK ministers including Chaudry Muhammad Yasin, Chaudry Muhammad Arshad, Chaudry Rashid, Ali Shan Soni, Parvaiz Ashraf, Javeed Ayub, Faisal Rathor and Azhar Gillani as well as secretaries to the government.

 

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Minister for timely completion of ongoing projects
KARACHI - State Minister for Communications Mir Dost Muhammad Mazari on Sunday said that special attention is being paid by the present PPP-led government to development of Sindh province.
He said this while chairing a meeting at the Regional Headquarters of the National Highway Authority (NHA), here.
While addressing the meeting, he directed the officials concerned to ensure timely completion of all those ongoing development projects including construction of highways which are being executed in Sindh under the supervision of the NHA. The state minister directed the officials concerned to complete the ongoing projects in Sindh as soon as possible so as to facilitate the people.
He also directed to maintain the international standards of work during the construction of Lyari Expressway project and ensure its completion with in stipulated time.
General Manager NHA sindh, Nadeem Ahmed Bhayo, Director Maintenance, Shabbir Shaikh, DIG Motorways Police Ahmed Dasti and other officials concerned were also present.
The State Minister also given briefing with regard to performance of the NHA Sindh and Motorway Police, to which, he expressed satisfaction.
Minister for timely completion of ongoing projects | Pakistan Today | Latest news | Breaking news | Pakistan News | World news | Business | Sport and Multimedia

Nanchuan Industrial Park inaugurated
LAHORE - Nanchuan Industrial Park Business Development Centre has been inaugurated in Lahore. The centre which was set up by the Chinese government would facilitate Chinese entrepreneurs for investment in Punjab as well as provide necessary guidance to investors of the Punjab to set up their businesses in China. A similar centre would also be set up in China for this purpose. Speaking on the inaugural ceremony, Nanchuan Industrial Park Director General Administration Committee, Huang Guojun said that the purpose of opening office in Lahore was to facilitate Pakistani and Chinese investors to initiate new projects. He further said that Chinese companies were interested in investing in the major sectors like alternative energy, pharmaceuticals, mining and minerals, textiles, wool and yarn spinning, meat and meat processing and agriculture.

 

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CDA chief opens his innings with a string of visits

* Syed Tahir Shahbaz promises projects will be completed on priority basis

The entertainment and cultural facilities and other projects need to be made self-sustainable through efficient management and holding of extensive events to help promote traditional heritage and colours of representative cultures from across the country, said Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz during his maiden visits to Capital Hospital, Pakistan Monument and National Monument Museum, Pak-China Friendship Centre and Art and Craft Village on Sunday.

The incomplete works and projects should be completed on the basis of competing priorities to achieve the envisaged objectives and reap the early benefits of these initiatives for provision quality civic amenities, recreations and improved health services in the federal capital, he added.

Speaking at capital hospital, Tahir said the CDA was proud to have a hospital equipped with modernised health infrastructure and facilities in addition to qualified doctors and paramedical staff. He said authority would provide all out resources and would focus on improving the curative and preventive health facilities as well as emergency services through dedicated ambulance service CDA Care-1122 in the city.

Syed Tahir Shahbaz during his visit to Pakistan Monument said that Pakistan National Monument and Museum project is truly awe-inspiring and one must commend the efforts of the designers, artists and sculptors who have preserved our precious heritage and rich culture in such an extraordinary way. Member administration Muneer Ahmed briefed the chairman about different aspects of its making, operation and upkeep.

The CDA chairman was apprised that the Pakistan Monument, a petal-shaped granite structure has been designed to reflect the history, culture and unity of the provinces of Pakistan. The inner walls of the petals are decorated with murals, which show important landmarks of Pakistan like Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Khyber Pass, Minar-e-Pakistan, etc. There is also a metallic crescent that is inscribed with sayings of the Quaid-e-Azam and poetry of Dr Allama Muhamad Iqbal.

The monument is surrounded by green and well-groomed gardens that give a very serene impact. The CDA chairman said that the museum explains Pakistan in historical perspective not only to the visitors from within and outside the country but also to the future generation and directed for its better upkeep and maintenance. While visiting the Pak-China Friendship Centre, Tahir said that it is the hallmark of Pakistan China friendship and there is a need to make it a centre of cultural activities, adding that such activities would enable the centre to generate its own resources to make it self-sustainable.He said that authority is focusing to provide cultural and infotainment facilities with enhanced income generation but we are not having the agenda to run these as business and commercial venture. Chairman CDA visited different areas of the centre including cafeteria, theatre hall, residential compound and directed to ensure cleanliness and hygienic condition as well as better upkeep and security of costly equipments installed in the centre.

He was apprised that the three-storey Pak-China Friendship Centre covers an area of 12 acres. Ground floor has been allocated for offices, theatre hall and cafeteria. First floor consists of study rooms, library, committee rooms and exhibition hall, while the third floor consists of residential compound of different categories with 57 rooms. The centre has centrally air-conditioned cooling system with latest fire-extinguish system. Pak-China Friendship Centre has been facilitated with a vast car parking for 600 vehicles. The Centre was handed over to CDA after the dissolution of Ministry of Culture.

Syed Tahir Shahbaz said that Arts & Crafts Village has a potential to revitalize and introduce Pakistan’s rich and vibrant heritage and create appreciation of country’s cultural heritage, promote indigenous crafts and support artisans by ensuring better income and minimizing the role of middleman and contribute towards promoting soft image of the country. He was apprised that Arts and Crafts Village covers an area of 26 acres in which different pavilions have been established. Chairman CDA directed the committee to come up with a comprehensive plan regarding commencement of arts and crafts activities in the village, necessary repair/maintenance and beautification work at the facility.

 

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OVM to develop Latif Gas Field
KARACHI - OMV and its joint venture partners have inked an agreement to develop Latif gas field located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. OMV is the operator of Latif concession and holds a 33.34% interest. The other partners in the joint venture are Eni (33.33% interest) and PPL (33.33% interest). According to media reports, the development will comprise of drilling of new wells and construction of a 50 km pipeline to transport Latif gas to the OMV operated Sawan gas plant where Latif gas will be processed and thereafter delivered to customers. OMV is targeting a net production of 5,700 boe/d from Latif in 2014.
The company said that Latif field development decision which had been stalled for some time was rendered economically feasible due to the new petroleum policy of Pakistan. This policy provides higher prices for new discoveries and for investments leading to incremental production over and above the reserves approved and certified.

 

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OGDCL achieves 4.6% growth rate
ISLAMABAD - Mr. Masood Siddiqui Managin Director / Chief Executive Officer, Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) stated that the company has achieved 4.6% growth rate in production of oil & gas, a significant increase in exploration and will drill 37 new wells during the current fiscal year against 17 wells drilled last year while addressing the audience during the seminar organized by Petroleum Institute of Pakistan, (PIP) at OGDCL House yesterday. The seminar was presided by Dr. Asim Hussain Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum & Natural Resources.

 

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The ‘useless’ Liberty Parking Plaza that cost us millions

LAHORE - The policy-makers have finally conceded on Tuesday that the expensive Liberty Parking Plaza is an ‘unsuccessful’ project, Pakistan Today has learned.
The parking plaza which opened to the general public two years ago was a part of part of the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) Urban Planning Vision 2015 initiative and the first of its kind nine-storey parking facility, opened to the public on November 30, 2010. The authorities concerned categorically said all sorts of vehicular parking at roadsides and at the side streets in the area would be banned, and the region would be earmarked only to be used by pedestrians.
The then acting TEPA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed had told reporters that the construction of plaza was a part of the LDA’s mega plan to create a Central Business District (CBD) in the city, which would comprise Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, MM Alam Road, part of Hali Road and the Shahrah-e-Noor Jehan. He said that the project would also help create investment, business and employment opportunities.
The parking plaza was opened up in the face of sheer criticism from traders which maintained that it would affect their businesses being far away from the main liberty market. Others near the plaza feared a decline in the number of customers because the customers would not prefer to park and walk over to the shops.
The park and ride plaza was constructed at a cost of Rs 677.47 million with 91 shops and parking facilities for 350 vehicles. However, after two years since it opened up, the government has finally succumbed to allowing parking on the roads adjacent to it.
“We told the officials even when the project was an idea that it is not going to be a success, rather will be nuisance for the customers and shopkeepers alike. We still appreciate the fact that the government has taken a step two years later, but a lot of public funds have gone wasted,” a shopkeeper near Park and Ride plaza said, on the condition of anonymity.
Another senior official privy to the construction of the plaza revealed that the chief minister took personal interest in the construction of the plaza as various high profile meetings were held on it. There were many voices of concern even in the administration, but the project was completed anyway.
TEPA Chief Engineer Akhtar Saeed told Pakistan Today that the policy shift has come from the government, “TEPA was only tasked with construction and operational work. The enforcement is done by the traffic wardens,” he added.
Lahore CTO Capt (r) Sohail said the DCO formally allowed that area to be used as a parking space. DCO Noorulamin Mengal and the DO (public facilities) however were busy in a gathering and not available for comments.
The

 

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Railways incurred Rs 220 billion expenditure in last four years: National Assembly informed
Pakistan Railways has incurred Rs 220 billion expenditure, including Rs 189 billion current expenditure and Rs 31 billion as development expenditure during the last four years till July 2012.

In response to a question, Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmad Bilour on Friday informed the National Assembly that the government had provided Rs 93 billion subsidy to the Railways and Rs 32 billion as Assistance for Development Projects during the last four years, with Rs 14 billion as overdraft from the State Bank of Pakistan.

About division-wise detail of excess expenditure incurred by the Divisions of Pakistan Railways during the year 2011-12, Bilour told the house that the government had allocated Rs 41 billion to the Railways in fiscal year 2011-12 budget, however, expenditure of the department was Rs 44 billion and Rs 26 billion remained as a Excess/ Saving of the Railways during the period.

He said that all public sector debt, including Pakistan Railways is guaranteed by the government of Pakistan and approved as charged expenditure. "Two types of debt are serviced by the PR ie domestic and foreign debts. The Economic Affairs Division has been mandated to manage foreign debt servicing of Pakistan Railways within the overall debt management framework and with the approval of Finance Division, moratorium has been imposed upon payment of interest on Overdraft till June 30, 2013," he added.

To another question about the main reasons of losses of Pakistan Railways and the steps taken by the government to control the losses during last four years, the minister told the house that presently 137 out of 494 Diesel Electric (DE) Locomotives were functional and as many as 357 engines were out of service. He added that the PR freight operation, which was main source of earning, was badly affected due to the acute shortage of locomotives.

Replying another question about the rehabilitation of families presently residing alongside the old/proposed tracks of Karachi circular Railway, Bilour informed the house that presently 4653 households had occupied as many as 170 acres of the PR land in Shah Latif Town Ship near Jumma Goth. "However, the government is likely to sign loan agreement with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in December 2012 for the resettlement of affected people, which includes development of a modern township for the affected households," he added.

Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim stated in a written reply while responding to question moved by Tahira Aurangzed regarding the year-wise total value of exports and imports carried out between Pakistan and Philippine during the last five years, that volume of trade between both the countries was worth $124.4 million during last five year.

 

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Development projects completed in Mohmand Agency
PESHAWAR - Aiming at providing better transportation facilities and protecting Mohmand Agency from flooding, the political administration has constructed three roads and protective walls in certain areas.
According to a press release issued by FATA Secretariat, the roads will link Ashraf Haji, Mohammad Roz and Bar Kata Sar villages while two walls have also been built surrounding Sahib Kor village and Sohail Kor Qasam Tabar village to protect them from flood.
According to the press release, 741 meters long link road was constructed in Ashraf Haji village of Khwaizi Tehsil along with 220 meters extensive drains and 244 meters long retaining wall so as to reduce future flood damage.
Likewise administration completed another uplift project in Mohammad Roz village of Tehsil Safi by constructing 2615 meters long link road and 227 meters long sidewall. The adjacent people of Sagi and Dawaizai areas would also be benefited from the project.
A 616 meters link road was also constructed in Bar Kata Sar Gurbaz village of Tehsil Safi to provide easy access to main road, markets, schools and hospitals.
In its ongoing efforts, administration constructed 480 meters and 347 meters long flood protection walls in Lal Zaman Qala, Sahib Kor village and Sohail Kor Qasam Tabar village of Tehsil Pindiali respectively to safeguard the peoples and their houses and agricultural lands from flash floods.
Whereas 1621 meters Long Street was also paved besides 333 meters extensive drain was structured in Irfan Kore Kamali, Halimzai Tehsil.

 

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NHA reviews highway projects

ISLAMABAD: National Highway Authority Chairman Muhammad Javaid Iqbal Awan presided over a high-level meeting in which national highway projects being undertaken with the cooperation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) were reviewed.

The ADB Mission was led by transport specialist Dong Soo Pyo. Detailed discussions were made on technical issues of ADB-aided projects. The meeting also discussed ways and means to solve such issues for early completion of the schemes. On this occasion, Awan commended the services of the ADB, for providing financial assistance in national highway schemes. He desired to overcome the issues through mutual consultation so that projects could be realised as per schedule.

The meeting was told that the ADB has approved $170 million for National Trade Corridor Highway Investment Programme Project -1 under which 58 kilometres (kms) Faisalabad-Gojra section is being realised and $39 million has been disbursed. Likewise $230 million is allocated for National Highway Development Investment Pro-gramme (Project-2).

 

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NESPAK has undertaken 3,300 uplift projects at home, abroad: MD
LAHORE: NESPAK, a leading organisation of consulting engineers, has set a new record by executing 3,300 engineering projects at home and abroad since its establishment in 1973. Costing a cumulative cost of Rs 8,900 billion, 2,825 of these projects are located in Pakistan and 478 projects in 36 developing countries of the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Arab world thus playing a key role in the socio-economic development of these countries.

This was stated in an interview on Thursday by NESPAK Managing Director Asad I A Khan. Giving details, he said that besides Pakistan, currently NESPAK is busy in the execution of several large overseas projects in Saudi Arabia relating to the water storage dams, power and transmission line projects and transmission of water supply to Jeddah in the Makkah-al-Mukarramah Region. In Qatar, NESPAK has secured five new projects relating to the construction supervision of large villas; a desalination project; a mosque and the upgradation of a sports club. In Afghanistan, NESPAK is busy in the preparation of detailed design and construction supervision of several projects including an on-farm water management project; seismic study and structural assessment of Jamhooriat Hospital, Kabul. In Oman, NESPAK is executing road, sewerage and water distribution projects.

Giving details of some of the major home projects, Khan said that these include Ghazi-Barotha and Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Projects; Tarbela and Mangla Extension Power projects; Mangla Dam Raising Project, Mirani, Sabakzai, Barra and Munda dams, 500 KV Transmission Lines Project; Muzaffargarh Thermal Power Project; Flood Damages Restoration Projects; Greater Thal Canal Projects; Rehabilitation of Taunsa and Islam Barrages; Lahore Ring Road Project; Sialkot-Lahore Motorway; Kohat Tunnel Project; Pindi-Bhattian-Faisalabad Motorway (M-3); New Islamabad, Sialkot and New Gwadar International Airports, Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, Kalma Chowk Flyover in Lahore and Metro Bus Transit System Lahore.

NESPAK is also providing the architectural design and construction supervision for the Rs 3 billion Pakistan Secretariat Block, Islamabad; project; Naval Housing Scheme Karachi; Benazir Bhutto Monument at Islamabad; Jalozai Campus of UET Peshawar; Telecommunication Tower Islamabad; Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Services Lahore and NUST Campus Islamabad.

Khan revealed that NESPAK has considerably helped in reducing dependence on foreign consultants and it has played a key role in the promotion of engineering consultancy profession in Pakistan. It has encouraged the home consulting companies in undertaking large consultancy projects at home and abroad. In several cases, NESPAK has associated itself with home consultancy firms by forming joint ventures with them as a lead firm for undertaking home and foreign projects. He concluded by saying that NESPAK is providing top class quality design and engineering consultancy services to the full satisfaction of all its home and foreign clients and NESPAK has kept high its professional image which is its great asset.

 

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President asks govt to upgrade Gilgit Airport

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Zardari on Monday asked the government to upgrade Gilgit Airport to improve communication of the area with the rest of the country.
President Zardari said this while talking to the members of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Council at the Presidency. The members included Professor Ghulam Hussain Saleem, Wazir Ibadat, Muhammad Ibrahim, Amjad Hussain, Saeed Afzal and Attaullah Khan. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Governor Karam Ali Shah and Chief Minister Mehdi Shah were also present. Developmental projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and overall situation, especially the law and order were discussed during the meeting.
The president said that in line with the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who abolished the draconian Frontier Crime Regulations (FCR) in Gilgit-Baltistan and introduced substantial administrative, judicial and political reforms, the government also accorded priority to the uplift of Gilgitians. He said that the government had taken substantive measures to involve the Gilgitians in their socio-economic developmental process and their political empowerment. He said that the introduction of GB Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009, which provided the people with representative government, was one of the landmark achievements of the government. The GB CM Shah briefed President Zardari about the work progress on Attabad Lake Project and the rehabilitation of the affected people.

 

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Work on pedestrian bridge at Zero Point Interchange starts

ISLAMABAD: Better late than never, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finally started installation of a direly-needed pedestrian bridge at Zero Point bringing a ray of hope for walkers
who used to risk their lives daily to cross 10-lane Islamabad Highway.

"The foundation work of the walker's bridge has been completed. It would take almost a month to complete," a CDA official told this news
agency on Sunday.

He said the Heavy Mechanical Complex has been tasked to install the steel-structured bridge that has cost Rs18 million. The bridge would facilitate safe movement of pedestrians moving to an from sector G-7 and G-8 besides nearby located government offices and media houses.

The CDA has already constructed a pedestrian bridge near I-8 intersection to facilitate movement of the walkers as the bridge neighbors the federal colleges and witnesses the heavy movement of students.

The daily crime report of Islamabad Police reveals that almost two to
three hit-and-run incidents take place in Islamabad that sometime also claim pedestrians' lives.

The CDA has widened Islamabad Highway to 10 lanes, constructed 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue and work to widen Kashmir Highway to 10 lanes is also in progress. However, the installation of pedestrian bridges at various locations is yet awaited.

Likewise, every day hundreds of people cross eight-kilometer 9th Avenue that is located between sectors F-8, G-8, H-8, I-8 and F-9, G-9, H-9 and I-9. On this avenue, important entities including Fatima Jinnah Park, weekly bazaar, Allama Iqbal Open University and hundreds of industrial units are located.

 

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Peshawar-Torkham Road will enhance trade in region: Arbab Alamgir

Work on the road will be started in December this year and completed in two years

Federal Minister for Communications Arbab Alamgir Khalil said that Peshawar - Torkham Road will not only provide access to Afghanistan and to Central Asian Republics but also promote trade and economic activities in the region.

He was presiding over a meeting of National Highway Authority in Peshawar on Tuesday.

Briefing the meeting Chief Coordinator National Highway Authority Brigadier Retd Liaq Ali that this road of international standards will be completed at a cost of seven point five billion rupees with the financial assistance of United States. Work on the road will be started in December this year and completed in two years.