Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade, Bilal Khan Kakar, held a high-level meeting with UAE Consul General Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Rumaithi at the UAE Consulate in Karachi to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring new investment avenues.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed plans for upcoming investment conferences in Karachi and Abu Dhabi aimed at attracting private sector participation and fostering trade links between Balochistan and the UAE. The discussions also focused on progress in major provincial projects, including the 100-kilometre Rhode Grass initiative, and opportunities for expansion in the halal meat industry and livestock sector.
Investment proposals for a used oil recycling plant in Hub, streamlined facilitation for company registration in the UAE, and joint shrimp farming initiatives were also discussed, signaling a focus on sustainable and revenue-generating projects.
Bilal Khan Kakar expressed gratitude to the UAE government for its continued support of development projects in Balochistan, highlighting the UAE as a reliable partner in advancing economic growth in the province. He emphasized that the growing interest of UAE investors and leadership in agriculture, livestock, energy, and environmental protection presents significant opportunities for long-term collaboration.
Dr. Al Rumaithi conveyed strong interest in investment prospects within Balochistan and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to deepening economic ties, noting the strategic importance of collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and sustainable development initiatives. The meeting underlined a shared vision for fostering economic growth, enhancing trade linkages, and promoting sustainable development projects in Balochistan, marking a step forward in strengthening Pakistan-UAE economic relations.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Karachi administration has decided to designate 13 major city markets as model markets to ensure orderly pricing and availability of essential food items during the upcoming month of Ramadan. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hasan Naqvi, at his office.
The administration announced that measures will be implemented to ensure that residents have access to food and grocery items at reasonable prices. Strategies include monitoring the supply of fruits and vegetables in wholesale markets, setting fair price standards, and ensuring sufficient stock availability.
Dedicated complaint centers will be established in key markets to address grievances related to pricing or product quality. In addition, selected supermarkets will be required to set up special Ramadan counters offering affordable and quality food packages to facilitate citizens.
During the meeting, officials also reviewed ongoing efforts to prevent overpricing and hoarding, emphasizing strict monitoring and enforcement to protect consumers. The administration aims to maintain transparency and accessibility in all model markets, ensuring that shoppers can obtain essential items without inconvenience or unfair price hikes.
The move reflects Karachi administration’s proactive approach to managing market operations and food supply during high-demand periods, with a focus on consumer protection, price regulation, and efficient distribution.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
As part of the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit extension from Numaish to Jama Cloth Market, authorities have decided to permanently close two out of four traffic signals on MA Jinnah Road, a move that is likely to intensify traffic congestion along one of Karachi’s busiest commercial corridors.
Work is currently underway to extend the Green Line route up to the Vary Park area near Jama Cloth. Under the revised corridor design, the traffic signals near Taj Complex and Rabit Centre will be removed to allow uninterrupted movement of BRT buses and streamline the dedicated transit lane.
The remaining two signals will operate according to the timing of Green, Red and Yellow Line buses. Transport planners indicate that buses may be given priority passage at intervals of nearly one minute, during which general traffic will be halted. Urban mobility experts warn that such frequent stoppages could significantly slow the flow of private vehicles, motorcycles and public transport.
The redesign is also expected to reduce the number of U-turns for regular traffic between Numaish and Jama Cloth, limiting access to adjoining markets and commercial streets. The area, which includes major wholesale and retail hubs, already experiences heavy daily footfall and vehicular load. Traders fear that restricted connectivity may affect business activity and delivery movement.
Urban planning analysts note that while the BRT system is intended to improve public transport efficiency, inadequate integration with mixed traffic and insufficient alternate routes could create bottlenecks on the main artery. They stress that balancing mass transit priorities with overall road capacity is critical for sustainable traffic management.
Earlier proposals for an elevated road and underpasses along MA Jinnah Road were shelved following public objections and funding constraints. The current common corridor approach is now being seen as a key test for Karachi’s urban transport planning and land-use coordination.
Authorities maintain that traffic conditions are expected to stabilise after project completion, but commuters have been advised to anticipate delays and use alternative routes during the transition period.