Karachi Division

Karachi : ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has intensified its investigation into the alleged Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project land scam by sealing 20 residential houses and several under construction commercial plazas during a major operation in Karachi.
The operation was carried out by NAB Karachi in coordination with district administration officials at a private housing scheme where the properties were allegedly constructed on land originally designated as amenity plots. Authorities said the action forms part of a wider investigation into suspected corruption, fraudulent land transactions and the alleged misuse of public assets linked to the resettlement project.
According to NAB officials, individuals associated with the Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project allegedly colluded with others to prepare fake plot files and unlawfully sell them to members of the public. Investigators believe the fraudulent transactions generated substantial illegal financial gains.
The bureau further alleged that the proceeds from the suspected fraud were later used to purchase approximately 25 acres of land in Thatta district. Officials claim a private housing scheme was subsequently developed on the land in an alleged attempt to legitimise the illegally acquired funds.
NAB had previously stated that plots originally allocated to families displaced by the construction of the Lyari Expressway, as well as land reserved for public welfare purposes, were unlawfully transferred and sold to unauthorised individuals, depriving deserving beneficiaries of their legal entitlement.
The Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project was launched to provide housing and rehabilitation for families affected by the construction of the Lyari Expressway. The investigation remains ongoing, and NAB has indicated that further legal action may be taken as evidence is collected.

Karachi : ReNews Pakistan
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced that the proposed flyover project at the Disco Bakery intersection in Gulshan-e-Iqbal has been put on hold following a request from the local elected leadership.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Munawar Chowrangi Underpass, he said that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had decided not to proceed further with the flyover after the Jamaat-e-Islami town chairman requested a review of the project.
The flyover at the Disco Bakery intersection had been proposed to ease growing traffic congestion. However, it faced strong criticism from local residents, urban planners, architects and transport experts. Critics argued that the project would further increase dependence on private vehicles, while the city has a greater need for improved public transport, safe pedestrian routes and sustainable urban mobility.
Meanwhile, the Munawar Chowrangi Underpass in Gulistan-e-Jauhar has formally been opened to traffic. Built at an estimated cost of Rs2 billion, the project was completed in 16 months and is expected to improve traffic flow between the city’s key residential and commercial areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that the provincial government was continuously working on various development projects to improve Karachi’s road infrastructure. Mayor Murtaza of schedule reflected the government’s commitment to providing better civic facilities.

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.