Only 2% of PSDP for new projects

A parliamentary panel was told on Friday that the IMF has advised the government to restrict funds for new development projects to 10% and prioritize only high-importance schemes. The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development, chaired by Quratulain Marri, was briefed on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and IMF recommendations. The committee was informed that this year, just two percent of funds were allocated for new projects, while 344 schemes worth Rs2.518 trillion were either completed or closed. The overall burden of pending projects has been reduced by Rs2.16 trillion. The National Highway Authority (NHA) also presented updates on motorway projects. On the Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway (M-6), work on three sections will begin soon. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the revised PC-1 on August 7. The Islamic Development Bank will likely fund two stretches — Naushero Feroz to Ranipur and Ranipur to Sukkur — while talks with the OPEC Fund and Saudi Fund are underway for financing the Naushero Feroz-Nawabshah portion. The remaining two sections, from Hyderabad to Tando Adam and Tando Adam to Nawabshah, will be built under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. A Saudi Fund mission is expected in Pakistan in October. Regarding the new Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway (M-10), NHA said the project, estimated at Rs254 billion, is undergoing detailed survey work by the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak).

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/RWbwCKD

ADB announces $3b emergency grant for flood relief

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda announced a $3 million emergency grant on Friday to support flood relief efforts in Pakistan. The grant, sourced from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will assist with emergency relief efforts following Pakistan's request. “Pakistan is experiencing devastating flooding that has displaced families and communities, and ADB stands firmly with Pakistan during this crisis,” said Kanda. “When disasters strike, we respond quickly to help communities rebuild with dignity. This emergency support reflects our enduring commitment to Pakistan's people through both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development," he added. The ADB president is currently on a three-day visit to Pakistan, during which he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. After expressing his sympathies for the flood victims, they discussed transformative investments, enhanced private sector engagement, and Pakistan’s role as a strategic supplier of critical minerals for the global clean energy transition. Their discussions also covered ADB’s substantial capital investments in transport, energy, and urban infrastructure, as well as human capital development through education and health programs. Also Read: PM Shehbaz to visit China for SCO summit today Kanda welcomed the progress made by the Pakistan government on reforms, noting the recent sovereign ratings upgrades by major credit rating agencies, which were underpinned by significant improvements in domestic resource mobilization. He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Pakistan. They also discussed ADB’s approval of a $410 million financing package for the Reko Diq mining project on August 21, marking ADB’s return to mining sector financing after a 40-year absence. Reko Diq, one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, will position Pakistan as a strategic supplier of critical minerals for the global clean energy transition. Beyond these discussions, the ADB president's visit included direct engagement with communities and businesses. Read More: PSX ends week on positive note He toured the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) One-Window Center in Islamabad, where he interacted with program beneficiaries and jointly launched the Grievance Redressal Mechanism with BISP Chair Senator Rubina Khalid. In Lahore, he visited Pakistan’s first sustainable aviation fuel facility, financed by ADB, which will convert waste cooking oils into sustainable aviation fuel for export markets. He also engaged with CEOs and business leaders to discuss how ADB can support expanding private sector participation and investment opportunities across Pakistan. Since Pakistan became a founding member of ADB in 1966, the bank has committed over $43 billion to promote inclusive growth and improve infrastructure, energy, transport, and social services. The current sovereign portfolio includes 44 operations valued at approximately $9 billion.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/FNHAr6g

NDMA warns of floods in Sindh riverbeds

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible floods in riverbed areas of Sindh after strong floods in all three eastern rivers. As per NDMA, 900,000 to 950,000 cusecs of water will pass the Panjnad Headworks between September 3 and 4. Water flows may slightly come down between 825,000 to 900,000 cusecs in case embankments are breached to divert floodwaters to avoid extreme damage. The official statement of the NDMA said Guddu Barrage is expected to see water flows ranging from 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs between September 5 and 6, with the lowest range lying between 750,000 to 900,000 cusecs if embankments are breached. Also Read: Indian actions intensified flood crisis in Pakistan, say officials At Sukkur Barrage, water flows of 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs are expected between September 6 and 7, while Kotri Barrage is likely to witness flows between 800,000 to one million cusecs from September 8 to 9. As per NDMA, the total flow could reach up to 1.2 million cusecs, potentially creating an extremely high-level flood scenario for the riverbed communities and low-lying areas of Sindh from September 12 to 13. The authority also cautioned that floodwaters could damage agricultural land, nearby settlements, villages, and infrastructure. Hence, the authorities have been directed to take immediate preventive measures. Read More: No respite in Punjab as flash floods claim 28 lives Speaking at a press conference in Sukkur on Thursday, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, accompanied by provincial minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, confirmed that the irrigation department and district administrations have been placed on high alert. “Undoubtedly, riverbed areas in Sindh will be affected, just as we have seen a sudden increase in water levels in Punjab’s rivers,” Shoro stated, adding that riverine communities will be informed about the expected water flow at least two days before it reaches Guddu barrage.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/iT3UBAs

K-P doubles flood victim compensation packages

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a substantial increase in compensation packages for victims of recent floods, pledging swift and transparent financial support to families who lost loved ones, sustained injuries, or suffered property damage. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in a video statement on Thursday, said the provincial government had doubled the death compensation from Rs1 million to Rs2 million per victim. The compensation for injured persons has been raised from Rs250,000 to Rs500,000. Owners of completely destroyed houses will now receive Rs1 million instead of Rs400,000, while partially damaged houses will be compensated at Rs300,000, up from Rs100,000. For the first time, shopkeepers whose businesses were destroyed will receive Rs500,000, while shop owners whose establishments were inundated will be paid Rs100,000 for cleaning expenses. He further announced that compensation would also be provided for losses to crops, orchards, and livestock, with details to be finalized by the Relief Department. To facilitate these payments, the government has already released Rs6.5 billion to the Relief Department and will soon issue an additional Rs5 billion, making the total allocation Rs11.5 billion. Highlighting the scale of destruction, Gandapur said that cloudbursts and torrential rains since August 15 have left 406 people dead and 245 others injured across the province. The hardest-hit districts include Buner, Swat, Shangla, Bajaur, Mansehra, and Swabi. Floods and landslides destroyed 664 houses and damaged 2,431 more. Infrastructure losses were also immense, with 511 roads, 77 bridges, and 2,123 shops affected. The CM said the provincial government responded immediately after receiving reports of the first cloudburst in Bajaur on August 15. Relevant departments, rescue teams, and district administrations were mobilized without delay. “Timely response by officials and rescue workers saved thousands of lives,” he added. According to the CM, a total of 5,566 people were rescued during operations carried out with the help of 176 vehicles and boats and more than 2,000 rescue personnel. Relief activities began immediately after rescue efforts, with 119,000 people provided cooked meals and 125 trucks carrying essential relief goods dispatched to affected areas. He said 136 roads and 65 bridges had already been restored, while 70 medical camps were set up in flood-hit regions to provide healthcare. Gandapur shared details of the financial assistance distributed to date. Families of 350 deceased persons have been paid a total of Rs654 million. Compensation worth Rs195 million has been given to 18 injured individuals, while the verification process for others is under way. In addition, 4,432 beneficiaries have received Rs15,000 each under food stamps, amounting to Rs665 million. Payments of Rs280 million have been made to shopkeepers, while Rs790 million has been disbursed to affected households. Further compensation worth more than Rs2.3 billion will be distributed soon. The CM stressed that compensation will be provided in a transparent and hassle-free manner through a digital payment system. For children who lost parents in the floods, special accounts are being opened by deputy commissioners to ensure timely payments.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/x7nHzrR

Power tariff likely to slash by Rs1.69 per unit

Power consumers across the country are likely to get Rs1.69 per unit relief in their September bills under the monthly fuel charges adjustment (FCA), Express News reported. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Sindh member Rafiq Sheikh on Wednesday reviewed the Central Power Purchasing Agency’s (CPPA-G) request, which, if approved, would provide Rs23 billion relief to consumers. The reduction, however, will apply for one month only and will exclude lifeline, protected, prepaid consumers, and electric vehicle charging stations. During the session, Nepra expressed strong displeasure over the rise in electrocution incidents during July’s heavy rains. The authority noted that 11 people lost their lives in a single month due to accidents, including six deaths in the Islamabad Electric Supply Company’s (IESCO) region alone. Sheikh warned of imposing maximum penalties on distribution companies. However, he lamented that utilities often obtain stay orders from courts against such fines. Nepra confirmed that the Ministry of Energy had conveyed the Economic Coordination Committee’s instructions to charge the same FCA from K-Electric consumers so that a uniform tariff policy could be maintained. The regulator said it heard all stakeholders and will issue a detailed decision after further scrutiny of the submitted data.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/wX9Hxdv

PTI eyes fresh talks with govt sans Imran's consent

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has once again begun weighing the option of entering negotiations with the government — potentially even without the explicit consent of party founder Imran Khan, sources revealed on Wednesday. According to insiders, the move is primarily aimed at securing Khan’s release and addressing a slew of pending legal cases against him. Some PTI parliamentarians have proposed re-engaging with ruling coalition members, suggesting talks could proceed regardless of Khan’s approval, though the wider party consensus remains in favour of formal negotiations. The matter is expected to surface during the upcoming National Assembly session, with the government’s side likely to include National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Sanaullah, Naveed Qamar, and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier extended an offer of talks to the PTI. A senior PTI leader, requesting anonymity, argued that political disputes could only be resolved through dialogue, warning that “resignations or boycotts will not solve the crisis.” He further claimed that some within the party were not fully apprising Khan of ground realities, which he said was undermining reconciliation efforts. Sources stressed that “serious negotiations with the government are crucial” not only for Khan’s release but also for tackling the party’s broader political challenges.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ektlyqf

Maryam Nawaz reviews flood situation, orders resource mobilisation in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered the utilisation of all available resources for the flood victims in the province. She was presiding over a four-hour meeting in which the situation of all flood-affected areas across Punjab was reviewed. Reports regarding relief and rescue activities in the affected districts were presented and reviewed in the meeting. The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to adopt emergency measures in the hospitals in view of the flood situation in all districts of Punjab. She also visited Shahdara to review the flood situation in Ravi River. She observed the water level at the Shahdara Bridge, the safety dam and other protective measures. She was apprised of the possible flow of water in the river. وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف سیلاب کی صورتحال کا جائزہ لینے کے لئے خود شاہدرہ پہنچ گئیں وزیراعلیٰ مریم نوازشریف نے دریائے راوی میں طغیانی کا مشاہدہ کیا وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف نے شاہدرہ راوی پل پر دریاکے پانی کے لیول کا بھی مشاہدہ کیا وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف نے حفاظتی بنداور… pic.twitter.com/h21FQM63e9 — Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) August 27, 2025 The chief minister directed the administration and departments engaged in the rescue and relief activities to complete the evacuation of the population and livestock from the river crossings at the earliest. The Lahore deputy commissioner gave a briefing about the situation in the river and the affected areas. The CM was informed during the meeting earlier in the day that all relevant departments of the Punjab government were monitoring the flood situation round the clock. Services of the army were called in for seven districts -- Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara and Sargodha. Also Read: Punjab floods worsen after Indian water release, 210,000 evacuated so far The district administrations, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, civil defence and police are engaged in carrying out rescue and relief operations on the front line. The districts of Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur were declared affected due to flooding in Sutlej River. At least 72 villages and 45,000 people in Kasur district have been badly affected by the high level of flooding in the river, the chief minister was informed. وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز کا سیلابی علاقوں میں کلینک آن وہیلز اور فیلڈ ہسپتال بھیجنے کا حکم۔ pic.twitter.com/utQ0uzzztl — waleed Qureshi (@waleedQu15) August 27, 2025 She was informed that 12 villages in Pakpattan, 23 in Vehari, 75 in Bahawalnagar and 15 in Bahawalpur had been affected by the floods. To cope with the situation, 130 boats, out board motor vessels, bikes, 1,300 life jackets and 245 life rings have been delivered to the affected districts. More than 150,000 people and 35,000 livestock have been shifted to safe places and relief camps along with medical and veterinary services have been established. More than 2,600 flood victims are being treated in the medical relief camps. Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the chief secretary and other senior officers attended the meeting. Also Read: Sikh religious sites at risk in Pakistan, India as Ravi River Maryam also expressed gratitude over safe evacuation of 25 people trapped in floodwater in the Shakargarh area. "Every life is precious. Those who rescued the 25 people are national heroes," she stated. She paid tribute to the Shakargarh administration and rescue team for conducting timely rescue operation. The chief minister said, "Flood is a natural disaster, but safety of people's lives and property will be ensured at all cost." She appealed to the people to stay away from the river and stream courses, stressing the need of moving to safe places well in time. Read: Gates Foundation donates $1m to WHO for Pakistan flood relief Provincial Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management’s Chairperson Khawaja Salman Rafique said during a visit to Ravi River to review the situation that instructions had been issued for the immediate evacuation of citizens from the riverbed in Lahore, Sheikhupura and Nankana. Arrangements to deal with the high-level flood in the river at Jasar were reviewed on the occasion. The minister said all rescue and relief agencies should remain on high alert and there was no room for negligence. He said residents of affected areas should be shifted to safe places and provided all facilities in relief camps. The PDMA is ensuring continuous coordination across the province and the district administrations have been directed to remain active. The minister urged citizens to remain at home and avoid unnecessary travel.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/JyWuXht