قومی ریئل اسٹیٹ خبریں

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

The federal government has accelerated energy sector reforms under its commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), preparing to overhaul the existing electricity and gas tariff slab and cross-subsidy systems and introduce a targeted financial assistance mechanism for deserving and low-income consumers.

Under the proposed reform programme, a new electricity subsidy framework is scheduled to be introduced in January 2027, while a revised subsidy arrangement for natural gas consumers is expected to take effect from July 1, 2027.

According to official sources, the planned changes are intended to replace broad-based tariff concessions and cross subsidies with a more targeted mechanism that determines eligibility for financial assistance according to the socioeconomic circumstances of individual households.

The Power Division has initiated work, with support from the World Bank, to link electricity consumers with the National Socio Economic Registry (NSER), enabling authorities to identify households that qualify for government assistance.

Sources said the government aims to complete the verification and linking of consumer records by the end of November 2026, after which eligibility criteria for the new subsidy mechanism will be determined.

The proposed framework will utilise socioeconomic information and records associated with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to identify vulnerable households and ensure that financial assistance is directed towards consumers who face difficulties meeting their energy expenses.

The reforms form part of Pakistan's commitments under the IMF programme, which requires the government to replace the existing budgeted electricity tariff differential subsidy and cross subsidy arrangements with a targeted, budget-funded support mechanism for low income consumers.

Under the agreed reform schedule, the government is expected to establish a new subsidy disbursement mechanism through BISP by the end of January 2027.

The transition represents a significant change in Pakistan's approach to energy subsidies, which currently provides different levels of tariff relief according to consumer categories, electricity consumption and other regulatory classifications.

Under the existing cross subsidy framework, certain categories of consumers pay relatively higher tariffs to help finance concessions provided to other groups.

The proposed system seeks to shift the focus from consumption-based concessions towards financial assistance determined by household income and socioeconomic vulnerability.

According to sources, the government is pursuing these reforms partly to reduce the financial burden associated with energy subsidies and address persistent circular debt problems in the electricity and gas sectors.

Pakistan's energy sector has continued to face financial challenges arising from differences between supply costs and recoveries, outstanding payments, operational inefficiencies and the accumulation of circular debt.

The proposed changes are also intended to improve the allocation of public resources by ensuring that budgetary support reaches consumers who are genuinely in need of assistance.

However, the transition could have financial implications for households currently benefiting from subsidised tariff slabs but which may not qualify for assistance under the new eligibility criteria.

Consumers who are excluded from the targeted subsidy mechanism could face higher effective energy costs depending on the final tariff structure and the extent to which existing concessions are withdrawn.

Conversely, qualifying low income households are expected to receive financial assistance through a mechanism linked to verified socioeconomic data.

Sources said the government is also preparing to revise the natural gas subsidy framework, with the proposed changes expected to be introduced from July 1, 2027.

The existing gas pricing structure includes different consumer slabs and protected categories, while variations between regulated tariffs and the actual cost of supply have contributed to financial pressures on gas utilities.

The proposed reforms seek to address these imbalances while retaining targeted support for economically vulnerable households.

The broader energy reform programme is also being pursued alongside efforts to improve the financial performance of electricity distribution companies and advance preparations for their privatisation.

Sources said power distribution companies have submitted applications seeking adjustments to base electricity tariffs, while the government has briefed the IMF on developments concerning the restructuring and proposed privatisation of distribution companies.

The changes are expected to require coordination among the Power Division, regulatory institutions, electricity distribution companies, the BISP administration and other relevant government agencies.

The success of the proposed system will depend significantly on the accuracy of household data, transparent eligibility criteria and effective mechanisms for delivering financial assistance to deserving consumers.

A major challenge will be ensuring that economically vulnerable households are not excluded from the subsidy programme because of incomplete socioeconomic records, documentation difficulties or other administrative limitations.

The government will also need to establish a public communication strategy to inform electricity and gas consumers about the proposed changes, eligibility requirements and procedures for receiving assistance.

The final tariff structures, subsidy amounts and detailed eligibility rules for electricity and gas consumers have yet to be formally announced

More than 340,000 kanals of Auqaf land in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are missing from the department’s official records, even though administrations in 20 districts have reported a total of 407,374 kanals and eight marlas. The Auqaf Department’s own records, by comparison, list only around 67,000 kanals across the province.
The significant discrepancy has raised questions about the recording, monitoring and protection of public land in the province. Details obtained from district administrations indicate that the reported area of Auqaf land is several times greater than the amount recorded by the department.

Government sources claim that influential individuals have occupied valuable land that is missing from the records for several years. They say the situation has left land worth billions of rupees outside government oversight. However, the report does not provide a district-by-district account of the alleged encroachments or clarify the land’s current legal status.

According to documents, information on Auqaf land was collected from 20 districts. Mardan reported the largest area, with 45,462 kanals and 16 marlas. The report did not include figures for the other districts. The report also provided no details about the reasons for the discrepancy or any formal action or government decision to identify the land and verify its ownership. The figures point to the need for a comprehensive survey of Auqaf properties, reconciliation with district records and a review of the department’s official entries.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor’s Adviser on Law, Labour and Inter-Provincial Coordination Amir Javed has directed the Workers Welfare Board (WWB) to ensure transparent allotment of residential flats, remove encroachments from its properties and accelerate the digitisation of official records. The directives were issued during his visit to the board’s headquarters in Peshawar, where officials briefed him on landholdings, residential facilities, ongoing development projects and welfare initiatives in the presence of Labour Secretary Abdul Basit. Emphasising the importance of workers’ housing and improved living conditions, the adviser said public resources must be managed in accordance with established rules, merit and transparency.

During the briefing, officials informed the adviser that the Workers Welfare Board owned approximately 2,495 kanals of land across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and had a total of 2,056 residential flats. Of these, 192 flats were currently occupied, while 496 were ready for allotment. The remaining 1,368 flats had yet to be completed or made available for occupation. Reviewing the housing allocation process, Amir Javed made it clear that direct allotments would not be permitted and that all residential units must be allocated strictly under the prescribed rules and regulations. He also called for continuous monitoring of housing schemes and property records to prevent irregularities and ensure that residential facilities reach eligible workers.

Expressing serious concern over encroachments on the board’s properties, the adviser directed officials to remove all unauthorised occupations within one week. He observed that regular monthly inspections could have prevented illegal occupation and criticised the lack of effective administrative action over the previous three years. Referring to 60 residential quarters sealed the preceding week, he instructed board officials to prepare an effective legal defence for the forthcoming court proceedings. He further stressed that stronger property management, regular inspections and transparent documentation were essential to protecting public assets and preventing future disputes over land ownership and residential allotments.

The adviser also directed the board to expedite record digitisation, improve educational and healthcare services and strengthen welfare support for registered workers and their families. He called for better monitoring of scholarships, improved facilities for workers’ children, expanded vocational training opportunities for women and timely payment of marriage and death grants. Officials were also instructed to review the board’s liabilities and expenditure, improve financial discipline and examine relevant labour laws, including provisions concerning the retirement age of 60 years. Amir Javed emphasised that administrative accountability and effective management of public resources were necessary to ensure that housing and welfare benefits reached deserving workers without unnecessary delays.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the Karachi mayor to take immediate and effective measures to recover approximately 25 acres of valuable public amenity land in Orangi Town, expressing serious dissatisfaction over the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) failure to address illegal allotments, encroachments and unauthorised land conversion. A two-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Riazat Ali Sahar issued the directions on Thursday while hearing petitions concerning land located in Sector 16, Block-I, Orangi Town. According to the approved layout plan, the property was originally reserved for a Norwegian school and technical institute, along with football and hockey grounds for students. However, the petitioners alleged that land grabbers had occupied the property, subdivided it into residential plots and obtained illegal leases in collusion with government officials.

The court observed that an inquiry committee constituted following its September 2024 directions had confirmed serious illegalities and irregularities in the issuance of leases for the land, which was designated exclusively for public purposes, particularly educational and healthcare facilities. Despite the committee’s recommendations for immediate restoration and legal action against those responsible, the bench found that KMC had failed to demonstrate meaningful progress. The court noted that the measures undertaken by municipal authorities had largely remained limited to official correspondence and procedural formalities. During the proceedings, KMC officials acknowledged that civil lawsuits against the leaseholders had been filed only three days earlier, while no criminal or departmental proceedings had been initiated against the individuals or officials allegedly involved.

Expressing strong displeasure over the prolonged administrative inaction, the bench observed that the delay raised concerns about possible undue protection being extended to beneficiaries of illegal land transactions and public officials involved in facilitating them. The court emphasised that public amenity land is held by government institutions in trust for the community and cannot lawfully be transferred, converted or utilised for private commercial or residential purposes in violation of its designated use. It further observed that the unauthorised conversion of land reserved for educational and healthcare facilities undermines public welfare and adversely affects the rights and legitimate interests of local residents.

The SHC directed the Karachi mayor to personally supervise the matter, pursue the cancellation of illegally issued leases and ensure recovery of the occupied land for its original public purpose. The bench also ordered the initiation of appropriate civil, criminal and departmental proceedings against individuals and government officials found responsible for illegal allotments, leasing, occupation or misuse of the property, without extending preferential treatment based on official status or influence. The mayor was instructed to submit a comprehensive compliance report, supported by documentary evidence, within 30 days, detailing the measures taken for land recovery and legal proceedings. The court adjourned further hearing until December 15.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has urged businesses to consider fire and property insurance to protect their assets from unexpected damage and reduce the financial impact of potential losses.

The regulator organised an awareness session in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at the chamber’s premises. Business owners, traders and industrialists attended the event, which focused on the risks posed by fire incidents and the role of insurance in helping businesses manage them.
Participants were told that the effects of a fire can extend beyond damage to buildings and equipment. Business closures, lost income and disruptions to employees’ livelihoods can also follow an incident, making fire prevention and adequate insurance coverage important parts of business preparedness.
The session covered protection for commercial properties, machinery, equipment and inventory. Insurance industry representatives explained available fire and property insurance products, policy considerations, coverage options and the claims settlement process.
Speakers also discussed business interruption coverage, which can help companies recover financially after insured losses disrupt their operations. Participants were briefed on Takaful as a Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional insurance and took part in a question-and-answer session on products, coverage and claims.
The initiative is part of the SECP’s efforts to improve insurance awareness and encourage wider coverage among businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The regulator said the effort aims to strengthen financial preparedness and help businesses protect their assets and maintain operations after unexpected losses.

A Senate sub-committee has raised serious concerns over the reported establishment of 27 allegedly illegal housing societies on land belonging to Jammu and Kashmir State in Lahore, where residential plots are reportedly being sold to unsuspecting citizens. The matter came to light during a visit led by Nasir Mahmood Butt, Convener of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions, along with Senators Naseema Ehsan and Nadeem Bhutto. The delegation inspected state-owned properties in Sultanpura, Rehmanpura and Naulakha Bazaar to assess their legal status, management and protection.

According to an official statement, several housing societies have allegedly been developed on state-owned land without lawful authorisation, while residential buildings have also been constructed on the disputed properties. The committee expressed concern that many buyers may be unaware of the actual ownership status of the land, potentially exposing them to legal disputes, financial losses and fraudulent property transactions.

During the inspection, relevant authorities briefed the delegation on property records, administrative affairs, rental income, unauthorised occupation and encroachments. The committee stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the legal status of the 27 housing societies, verification of land ownership documents and examination of plot sale and purchase records to identify possible irregularities and protect the interests of affected citizens.

The committee emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir State properties are valuable state assets requiring effective protection, transparent administration and proper regulatory oversight. Members called for stronger measures to prevent illegal construction, unauthorised land transactions and further encroachments, while ensuring that citizens are protected from potential property fraud and legal complications.

The Karachi administration has completed fire safety audits of 1,369 buildings across the city's seven districts as part of an extensive inspection campaign launched under the directives of the Sindh government to strengthen building safety standards and prevent fire-related emergencies.

The progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi at his office on November 11, 2026, where officials presented detailed reports on inspections, safety assessments, regulatory compliance and enforcement measures.

According to the briefing, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has begun uploading approved building plans and maps to the Commissioner Karachi Safety Audit Portal. Documentation for 207 buildings has been uploaded to facilitate emergency planning and improve coordination among firefighting agencies.

Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi directed deputy commissioners, SBCA officials and other relevant departments to accelerate inspections and ensure that identified fire hazards are eliminated without unnecessary delays. He emphasised that compliance with prescribed fire safety regulations must be ensured in residential, commercial and other buildings covered by the inspection programme.

The meeting reviewed district-wise progress, including audits of 287 buildings in Korangi, 113 in Central, 107 in East, 103 in West and 98 in South. Officials also presented findings from inspections conducted by eight departments involved in the citywide safety campaign.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) analyst Diyal Das Rathore briefed participants on risk assessments, the classification of non-compliant buildings, follow-up inspections and emergency evacuation exercises. The meeting was informed that repeated inspections had helped reduce safety risks in several previously identified buildings. However, the commissioner instructed officials to revisit properties where deficiencies remained and ensure implementation of all necessary preventive measures.

Authorities reported that assistant commissioners had issued reminder notices to 17 buildings failing to comply with fire safety requirements, while one building had been sealed. Fire drills have also been conducted in 279 buildings to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen evacuation procedures.

In another significant decision, firefighters from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 will receive specialised training in interpreting building plans. The SBCA will coordinate the training programme in collaboration with the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD).

The initiative is intended to help emergency responders understand building layouts, access routes and internal structures during firefighting and rescue operations. ABAD will also upload building plans of relevant properties to the digital safety portal to support coordinated emergency response.

Commissioner instructed departments to strengthen standard operating procedures, improve interdepartmental coordination and take enforcement action against persistent violations. He stressed that notices, follow-up inspections and building closures should be undertaken wherever necessary to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The ongoing campaign is particularly significant for Karachi's residential and commercial property sector, where building safety compliance remains essential for protecting occupants, businesses and property investments. Authorities believe that systematic inspections, digital building records and improved emergency training will strengthen fire prevention measures across the metropolis.

The administration has directed all concerned departments to complete the remaining audits and ensure that buildings meet the required safety standards.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that a building known as “Bari Imam House” is an unauthorised occupation of land acquired by the authority in 1963. The CDA has also disputed any legal connection between the building and the shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam.

In a written response submitted through its counsel, Kashif Ali Malik, the authority said the property is not listed in its official land acquisition or revenue records. It argued that the petitioner has no lawful ownership, title or permission to occupy or use the premises.

The CDA identified the disputed land as comprising Khasra Nos. 435, 582, 591, 592 and 593 in Mauza Noorpur Shahan. According to its response, the land was acquired under Award No. 4/DC CDA/1963, and compensation and other admissible benefits were paid to the respective landowners. The authority said the acquisition record contains no reference to a building or establishment called “Bari Imam House.” On that basis, it considers the occupation an encroachment on land acquired by the CDA.

The authority also distinguished the disputed building from the shrine, or Darbar, of Hazrat Bari Imam. It said the shrine is situated on separate land comprising Khasra Nos. 277, 665, 677, 678, 679 and 680, recorded in the name of Darbar Aalia Hazrat Bari Abdul Latif Shah (R.A.). According to the CDA, the shrine land is located across the road from the disputed premises.

The authority argued that the two properties are separate both legally and geographically, and that associating the building with the shrine does not establish ownership or a right to occupy the land. The CDA has also challenged the maintainability of the constitutional petition, raising objections to the petitioner’s legal standing and entitlement to use the premises.

The response follows an IHC order issued on November 3, 2026, directing the relevant authorities to de-seal the building and restraining its demolition until the next hearing. The CDA has requested an early hearing, preferably during the week beginning November 9, instead of the date previously scheduled for January 18, 2027. It said it wants to present its legal and factual position before the court.

The Sheikhupura Interchange on the Lahore/Islamabad Motorway (M-2) has been temporarily closed as repair crews work on a section of the northbound carriageway between kilometres 45 and 48.
Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) Central Region, said both entry to and exit from the motorway at the interchange had been suspended during the work.

Authorities have put traffic diversions in place, though no completion time was specified in the report.
Motorists who normally use the Sheikhupura Interchange have been advised to enter or leave the M-2 through Hiran Minar Interchange instead. NHMP officers are stationed in the area to guide drivers and provide information about the alternative route.

The repair work is part of a broader maintenance activity on the motorway. An earlier NHMP travel advisory listed roadwork-related lane restrictions on the northbound carriageway between Hadiyala Virkan and Sheikhupura, around kilometres 42 to 46.

The police have urged road users to follow officers’ instructions and use the diversion until the repair work is completed. Motorists should check the latest NHMP travel advisory or call helpline 130 before travelling, as closures and diversions may change.

A high-level Saudi business delegation has expressed keen interest in investment and trade cooperation at Gwadar Port. The delegation discussed opportunities in cargo services, transit trade, transshipment and proposed energy terminals with Pakistani officials.
The Saudi delegation visited the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) head office, where Gwadar Port Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch briefed its members on the port’s commercial potential, operational capabilities, strategic location and available investment opportunities.

The meeting reviewed the potential to develop Gwadar Port into an important regional hub for trade and cargo movement. The Saudi delegation showed particular interest in investment and cooperation in cargo handling, transit trade and transshipment.

Participants also discussed the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminals at Gwadar Port, including possible Saudi investment in their construction. Baloch told the delegation that Gwadar’s geographical location gave it significance for regional and international trade. He also highlighted the port’s potential to become a major centre for transit trade and transshipment in the region.

The Saudi delegation expressed particular interest in Gwadar’s geographical and commercial importance outside the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a potentially valuable location for cooperation in maritime trade and logistics.
During the meeting, Saudi-Pakistan Business Council Chairman Prince Mansour Al Saud accepted an invitation to visit Gwadar Port. The delegation said it would visit soon to assess the port’s commercial, operational and investment opportunities.

The participants also discussed ways to expand maritime trade, port services, investment in the energy sector and broader economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

No specific investment agreement, project cost or final investment amount was announced during the meeting.