Latest news with #AFIC
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM inaugurates mega projects worth Rs8.77bn in Pindi
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated mega projects worth Rs 8.77 billion in Rawalpindi. She formally inaugurated the Adiala Road Nawaz Sharif Flyover and the Mall Road GPO Chowk Underpass projects. These two mega projects being built to ensure smooth traffic flow in Rawalpindi city were completed in a record time by maintaining high construction standards. The people showered flower petals on the arrival of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at the inauguration venue She responded to their slogans by waving her hands. Provincial Minister for C&W Malik Sohaib Bherth and Secretary C&W Sohail Ashraf gave a detailed briefing on the development projects. The chief minister was informed in the briefing that 67 road projects stretching up to 607 kilometers have been launched in Rawalpindi, out of which 51 road projects have been completed. Approximately 3 lakh vehicles will pass through the Nawaz Sharif Flyover and GPO Underpass projects on a daily basis. The Nawaz Sharif flyover, which starts from Kutchery Chowk on Adiala Road, will benefit traffic passing through GT Road Ring Road and Chakri Interchange Motorway. The public will save more than an hour of time and millions of rupees in petrol and other expenses by traveling at Nawaz Sharif Interchange. It was further apprised in the briefing that the traffic of Gorakhpur, Adiala, Khalsa Khurd, Khalsa Kalan, Dhalan, Jarrar Camp, Dhok Awan, Singral and inhabitants of other localities will benefit from the Nawaz Sharif flyover project. A two-kilometer service road has also been constructed around the Nawaz Sharif flyover project. More than two lakh vehicles will pass through the GPO Chowk, TM Chowk signal-free corridor on the Rawalpindi Mall Road daily. The briefing informed that AFIC is included in the underpass project for the convenience of pedestrians. For the first time, the latest intelligent signal systems have been installed in the GPO underpass project. Nearly two-kilometer-long underpass to be built on Mall Road will provide easy access to the National Highway N-5 through Kashmir Road. It was further apprised in the briefing that GPO Chowk underpass will also facilitate millions of patients coming to CMH, MH and AFIC daily. The GPO Chowk underpass will also facilitate traffic passing through Saddar Bazaar, Railway Station and other areas. The chief minister highlighted, 'All development projects built for the convenience of the people are our foremost priority. Remodeling of Kutchery Road and Mall Road will also be carried out. The construction of the underpass and flyover projects will prove to be a game changer for the residents of Rawalpindi.' She outlined, 'The launching of public welfare projects will prove to be historic and memorable for the people of Rawalpindi. I highly commend the efforts of all relevant institutions for the completion of development projects in a record time frame being built for the convenience of general public in Rawalpindi.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM unveils 'game-changer' projects
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road and the GPO Underpass on Mall Road in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, marking the completion of two major infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic flow in the city. During the inauguration ceremony, CM Maryam announced plans to launch clean drinking water projects across Punjab, including South Punjab and the Potohar region. She highlighted the swift development pace, noting that roads left neglected for 30 years are now being built in record time. The two mega projects, completed at a cost of Rs8.77 billion, were opened to traffic following the inauguration. The Nawaz Sharif Flyover connects Katchehry Chowk to GT Road, the Rawalpindi Ring Road, and Chakri Interchange, significantly reducing travel time by over an hour and saving commuters millions in fuel costs. Service roads have also been constructed on both sides of the flyover, spanning two kilometres. The GPO Underpass, located on Mall Road, is part of a signal-free corridor from GPO Chowk to TM Chowk and will facilitate over 200,000 vehicles daily. The project includes a modern intelligent signal system and a pedestrian underpass near AFIC for public convenience. The underpass also improves connectivity to Kashmir Road and the National Highway (N-5), benefiting patients traveling to CMH, MH, and AFIC hospitals. Residents warmly welcomed the chief minister with flower petals and slogans during her visit. CM Maryam acknowledged the support and briefings provided by Provincial Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Bharth and Secretary Sohail Ashraf. She shared that 51 of 67 road development projects in Rawalpindi, covering 607 km, have already been completed. Speaking at the ceremony, CM Maryam said these projects are "game-changers" for the people of Rawalpindi and reaffirmed her commitment to public welfare through improved infrastructure. She also announced the remodelling of Katchehry Road and Mall Road. The chief minister revealed plans to lay new pipelines for drinking water and address Murree's water supply issue. She further announced the preparation of a major project for the construction and expansion of Nullah Leh and pledged to complete the Rawalpindi Ring Road in record time. CM Maryam said that re-vamping of all schools in Rawalpindi is underway and near completion. She is personally monitoring city beautification projects and emphasised the need for visible improvements at Punjab's borders, pointing out the difference in cleanliness and infrastructure once entering neighbouring regions. Under the 'Clean Punjab Project,' she said sanitation efforts are being strengthened across the province. Over 12,000 kilometres of roads have been built or repaired, and 1,250 basic health units have been revamped into mini hospitals. Mall Road underpasses revamped Construction and beautification work on both underpasses along Saddar Mall Road has been completed. The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has now launched the horticulture phase, including planting on central medians, green belts, and Metro pillars along Murree Road. Following the completion of carpeting and painting work at TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk underpasses, Mall Road now offers a uniquely scenic view. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to inaugurate the project soon.
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Signal-free corridor takes shape in Pindi
Nawaz Sharif Flyover from Khawaja Corporation on Adiala Road, along with two underpasses on Mall Road and an underground pedestrian walkway, has entered its final phase of completion. These projects are expected to be inaugurated later this month. Additionally, the construction of a flyover and underpasses at the busy Kachehri Chowk, as well as underpasses at Qasim Market, Race Course, and Charing Cross, is expected to commence soon — likely during the ongoing summer vacation period of educational institutions, in order to expedite completion. Having been constructed at a cost of Rs2.3 billion, Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation Chowk on Adiala Road is in its final stage. Although the project could not be inaugurated on June 3 as initially planned, it is now expected to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on June 30. On the same day, she is also likely to inaugurate two underpasses on Mall Road — at Flashman Hotel Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk — as well as the underground pedestrian walkway near AFIC. This project is expected to be completed by June 30 as well, with a total cost of Rs4.388b. Meanwhile, a decision has been made to construct additional underpasses at three of the busiest intersections on Mall Road and Peshawar Road: Qasim Market, Race Course Chowk, and Charing Cross. The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has been instructed to relocate underground utilities — electricity, gas, water supply, and sewerage — from these locations to facilitate construction. Moreover, a major project involving the remodelling and expansion of Kachehri Chowk has been approved. This project includes the construction of two flyovers and three underpasses, with an estimated cost of Rs8.5b. The Punjab government has already allocated funds for this project. Sources say following the completion of the two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehri Chowk, and with the construction of five underpasses on Mall Road and Peshawar Road, this entire route will effectively become a signal-free corridor up to Motorway Chowk. It is worth noting that an underpass at Golra Mor has already been completed and is operational. The Punjab government is funding all these infrastructure projects, which are being executed by the provincial Communications and Works (C&W) Department. Schools get operational boost The Punjab Education Department has released an amount of Rs464.5 million for the operational expenses of all public schools in the Rawalpindi Division. An amount of Rs4.58715 billion has been released for the fourth and final quarter of the outgoing fiscal year to cover operational expenses and utility bills for all 43,000 public primary, middle, high, and higher secondary schools across the province.
Express Tribune
06-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Pakistani father praises COAS for arranging treatment after India expels ailing children
Listen to article The father two children sent back by India last week has praised Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for taking responsibility for the treatment of the ailing children. The children, Abdullah (9) and Mansa (7), both suffering from congenital heart disease, had travelled with their father, Shahid Ahmed, to Faridabad, India, in April for life-saving surgery. After successful pre-surgical evaluations on April 22 and 23, the family was ordered by India's Foreigners Regional Registration Office on April 24 to leave the country within 48 hours. The expulsion came in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), after which the Indian government took the controversial step of deporting even Paskistani patients who were undergoing treatment. Shahid Ahmed, a resident of Hyderabad, Sindh, condemned the decision, calling it 'inhumane and unethical.' 'There is no religion greater than humanity. Even Hinduism teaches compassion,' he said, adding that it took him seven years to secure an Indian visa for his children's treatment. On their return to Pakistan, General Munir facilitated the children's admission to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) in Rawalpindi. Shahid expressed deep gratitude to the Army Chief, saying the care at AFIC has far exceeded his expectations. Dr Mehboob Sultan of AFIC confirmed both children suffer from Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital condition involving heart defects and underdeveloped pulmonary arteries. Their treatment will include phased surgeries, with the first phase set to take place in the coming days. Brigadier Dr Khurram Akhtar stated that AFIC is fully equipped to treat complex cardiac conditions in children and adheres to international medical standards. 'There is no need to send such cases abroad. We have performed numerous successful surgeries here,' he added. Tensions between India and Pakistan reached new heights following a deadly attack on April 22, 2025, when 26 men were killed at a tourist site in Pahalgam, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India swiftly blamed Pakistani elements for the attack, but no evidence was presented to support the claim, which Islamabad vehemently denied. In response to the attack, India's Cabinet Committee on Security approved several retaliatory measures on April 23, including the closure of the Wagah-Attari land transit point, a travel advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid Pakistan, a formal notification of the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the revocation of multiple categories of visas for Pakistani nationals. On April 24, Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) issued a stern warning, declaring that any attempt by India to block the flow of water into Pakistan would be considered an act of war. The NSC also approved the closure of the Wagah border crossing. The following day, April 25, the Pakistan Senate unanimously passed a resolution rejecting India's allegations regarding the Pahalgam attack, calling them baseless and politically motivated. Tensions further escalated on April 26, when the Pakistani High Commission in London was vandalised during a protest by hundreds of pro-India and pro-BJP demonstrators. The protesters caused property damage, including broken windows and the splashing of saffron paint. Pakistan accused India of encouraging the violence, with Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar condemning the acts as being supported by "Indian state and agencies." British police later arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in the incident.
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pindi's development projects: CM Maryam expresses satisfaction
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif reached Rawalpindi city, visited various ongoing development projects and expressed happiness over the expected completion of the biggest project in the history of Rawalpindi by May 31. She visited the Rawalpindi GPO Underpass and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover Project. The Chief Minister reviewed construction quality of the project and also inspected ongoing construction activities. She responded to the enthusiasm of the workers working on the project by waving her hand. She directed to ensure construction quality in the project under any circumstance and directed to plant two trees on the dual sides of the roads. Two more underpasses will be built to make Rawalpindi's Mall Road signal-free. Two lakh vehicles will be able to easily pass through the underpass on a daily basis. The construction of the underpass will make it easier for AFIC and MH patients to cross the road. The Mall Road will be made signal-free for 26 kilometers. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover will be completed at a cost of Rs2.3 billion and the underpass project will be completed at a cost of Rs4.38 billion. The construction work of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover project has been completed by 85 percent and the construction of the underpass project has been completed by 60 percent. Secretary C&W gave a detailed briefing about the ongoing project. It was informed in the briefing that installation of piles of the overhead bridge of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover project has been completed. 56 girders of the flyover have been prepared, 32 girders have been installed on the flyover. The construction work of 7 drains of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover is ongoing and boundary wall of the flyover has also been completed. The Chief Minister also reviewed construction activities of the underpass at Mall Road GPO Chowk. The construction of 2093 piles and girders of the underpass has been completed. A special path for pedestrians has also been included in the project. Construction work is underway on 56 development projects in Rawalpindi Division. The completion of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover will enable citizens to have direct access to the motorway and Rawalpindi Ring Road. 79,000 vehicles will benefit after the completion of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover. Member of National Assembly Ms Tahira Aurangzeb, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar and other senior officials were also present. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
