Karachi Division

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited the ongoing water supply project along the Lyari River and reviewed progress on the installation of new pipelines aimed at improving water distribution in the area.
During the visit, the mayor said the initiative is part of efforts by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to curb water theft and ensure transparent and equitable supply to residents. He explained that open and above-ground pipelines are being installed to enhance monitoring and prevent illegal connections that often disrupt water distribution in different parts of the city.
Officials informed the mayor that 33-inch diameter pipelines are being laid under the project, which will supply around 10 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to the tail-end areas of Lyari that have long faced shortages.
Barrister Wahab directed the concerned departments to expedite construction work and ensure completion of the project before June 30, stating that the initiative would help address longstanding water supply issues faced by residents in Lyari.
Authorities said the project is expected to significantly improve water availability in underserved neighborhoods and strengthen the overall efficiency of the city’s water distribution network.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Friday laid the foundation stone of a major road rehabilitation project in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, announcing that the Rs1.6 billion initiative will significantly improve commuting conditions for hundreds of thousands of daily travelers.
Speaking at the ceremony, the mayor said the project focuses on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of a key road corridor that connects several important routes of the metropolis, including access to Jinnah International Airport, Sharea Faisal, and the Korangi Industrial Area. He said the initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and provide smoother travel for commuters who rely on the route for daily movement across the city.
According to officials, the project will involve complete road rehabilitation, resurfacing, improvement of drainage infrastructure, and upgrading of traffic management features to ensure long-term durability. Authorities said the scheme is part of broader efforts by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to restore major road networks that have deteriorated due to heavy traffic and seasonal rains.
Mayor Wahab stated that improving Karachi’s road infrastructure remains a priority for the city administration, noting that multiple road rehabilitation and uplift schemes are being launched across different districts to enhance urban mobility and address long-standing civic issues.
He added that once completed, the Gulistan-e-Jauhar rehabilitation project will help streamline traffic flow on one of the city’s busiest corridors, benefiting residents, industrial transport, and commuters travelling between residential areas and commercial zones. Officials expressed hope that the upgraded road network will also support economic activity by facilitating smoother connectivity between residential neighborhoods and industrial areas.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan has held the administration of Gul Plaza responsible for the loss of lives in the recent fire incident, citing serious violations of building safety protocols and failure to implement basic fire prevention measures.
According to the fire department, the building management failed to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to fire safety. Officials said the absence of an immediate public announcement about the fire delayed evacuation, leaving several people trapped inside the building during the emergency.
The chief fire officer further stated that emergency exits were either blocked or inaccessible, which prevented occupants from evacuating the building safely. In addition, electricity was reportedly disconnected without first ensuring the evacuation of people trapped inside, further complicating rescue operations.
Authorities noted that commercial buildings are required to maintain functional fire safety systems, including clearly marked emergency exits, alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and evacuation protocols. The failure to comply with these requirements can significantly increase the risk of casualties during fire emergencies.
The fire department emphasized that strict adherence to building safety regulations and emergency response procedures is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials have called for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards in commercial buildings across the city to ensure public safety.