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Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Property encroachment issue: Senate body to summon ETPB chief, admin Nankana Sahib district
ISLAMABAD: Expressing its serious concern on encroachment of Evacuee Property in District Nankana Sahib, the Standing Committee on Government Assurances has decided to summon Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and District Administration Nankana Sahib to discuss the issue in its next meeting. The committee also directed Power and Petroleum Divisions not to issue NOCs for installation of electricity and gas meters on encroached land. The committee met under the chairpersonship of Nuzhat Sadiq, MNA in Parliament House on Wednesday. The committee was apprised that 14,000 residential and commercial units have been built on the ETPB land in District Nankana Sahib causing loss to the national exchequer. The committee was further apprised that operations had been launched against the encroachments; however, to make it meaningful involvement of elected representatives of the district would provide useful assistance and valuable advice. The additional secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that the ETPB had initiated various measures that include hiring of services of the Survey of Pakistan and SUPARCO for physical survey of all the properties and acquiring their satellite imagery. He said that regular anti-encroachment drives had been initiated apart from initiation of disciplinary action against ETPB officials for their delinquency in their duties. The committee, while discussing assurance regarding massive/unannounced loadshedding and over billing in Karachi, directed for engagement with elected representatives to sort out the issues. The committee was also of the view that a new electricity provider would encourage healthy competition and enhanced service delivery in Karachi. The committee also reiterated its earlier direction for sticking to the approved loadshedding plan and zero un-announced power outages. The KESC official apprised that menace of power theft through hooked connections and non-payment of electricity dues was hindering smooth supply of electric power to the residents of Karachi especially the Lyari area. He informed that local representatives at UC level had been engaged to persuade people to come under metering net, however, all the efforts were unfruitful. He informed that as per directions of the committee, approved schedule of loadshedding was being followed and loadshedding in wee hours had been discontinued. The committee decided to take up the Assurance in its next meeting. The committee, while discussing implementation report regarding establishment of office of Protectorate of Emigrants at Abbottabad, appreciated the prompt compliance by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. The committee also discussed and disposed of Assurance regarding establishment of transformers repairs workshops at district level by electricity distribution companies. The committee directed the Power Division to pass on directions to all the DISCOs to adopt friendly posture towards its subscribers and initiated steps for enhanced service delivery. The committee, while taking up the Assurance regarding provision of free medical treatment to cancer patients, directed the Ministry of National Health Services to expedite the submission of summary for approval of the Federal Cabinet. The Director General Health apprised that Letter of Intent had been signed with M/s Roche for provision of medical treatment to cancer patients in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) on 73 percent contribution of M/s Roche and 27 percent by the Government of Pakistan. The committee decided this while discussing assurance by education minister to address the grave issue of out-of-school children, decided to visit educational establishments in the ICT to physically verify the measures initiated by Ministry of Federal Education though the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to address the issue of out-of-school children. The additional secretary Ministry of Federal Education and director general FDE apprised the committee about the steps taken to bring children into schools. The meeting was attended by Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs; MNAs, Raja Qamarul Islam, Muneeba Iqbal, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Shagufta Jumani, Shahida Rehmani, Sofia Saeed Shah, Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhry, Shafqat Abbas, and Muhammad Arshad Sahi; Mover Mian Ghous Muhammad; Secretary Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Additional Secretary Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and other officers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Building collapse sparks evacuation drive
Following the collapse of a dilapidated and vacant building in Bohar Bazaar owing to heavy rainfall, the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have launched a city-wide emergency operation, declaring over 200 multi-storey buildings, aged between 100 to 150 years and in a state of disrepair, dangerous and ordering to be vacated immediately. Warning notices have been issued to residents living in and around these fragile structures, as well as to those residing along the 22-kilometer-long Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal stormwater drains. These areas are prone to flooding, and the pre-monsoon rains have already submerged up to 70% of the city under three feet of water. Authorities have announced that if any building collapses, FIRs (First Information Reports) will be filed against its occupants. Legal action will also be taken against owners, tenants, and residents who fail to comply with the evacuation notices. Despite spending Rs80 million on cleaning Nullah Leh and Rs60m on clearing storm drains, floodwaters have still entered homes and shops in low-lying areas, causing losses worth millions of rupees. In response, the Chief Officer of the RMC has launched a public awareness campaign, warning of severe legal consequences for families refusing to vacate dangerous buildings. Technical assistance is being offered to residents for building repairs. Furthermore, notices have been issued to evacuate all settlements located along Nullah Leh and storm drains. Encroachments, including animal shelters, must be removed immediately. The ETPB has also issued final notices to tenants occupying around 250 properties — buildings, plazas, and shops — asking them to vacate leaking and structurally unsound premises. These century-old and older buildings are primarily located in Rawalpindi's old city areas, including Mohalla Shah Chan Chiragh, Pul Shah Nazar Dewan, Mohalla Niyarian, Bohar Bazaar, Bhabi Bhara Bazaar Raja Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, areas around Lal Haveli, Purana Qila, Ghazni Road, Bagh Sardaran, Kartarpura, Angatpura, Sarafa Bazaar Landa Bazaar, Narankari Bazaar, Kalan Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Sarai Mughal, both sides of Jamia Masjid Road, Tyre Bazaar, Chitian Hattian, Teli Mohalla, Ganjmandi, and Gawalmandi.
Express Tribune
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India bars Sikhs from Singh anniversary
The 186th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the iconic "Sher-e-Punjab" (Lion of Punjab), was observed with reverence and solemnity at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. However, the absence of Sikh pilgrims from India cast a shadow over the commemorations, as Indian authorities denied permission for the delegation to travel to Pakistan, despite official invitations from Islamabad. Religious freedom advocates and Sikh leaders have strongly condemned the Indian government's decision, calling it another instance of New Delhi's discriminatory policiesthis time targeting the Sikh community. The ongoing closure of borders due to strained India-Pakistan relations, combined with what many describe as the Modi administration's sectarian intolerance, was described as deeply regrettable by Sikh representatives. The main commemorative event took place at Maharaja Ranjit Singh's samadhi (mausoleum) within the historic precincts of Gurdwara Dera Sahib. A large number of Sikh devotees from across Pakistan gathered to pay tribute to the legendary ruler who is widely revered for founding the Sikh Empire and for his commitment to religious pluralism. Addressing the gathering, Dr Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, Chairman of the ETPB, paid rich tribute to Singh and denounced India's move to block Sikh pilgrims from attending.
Express Tribune
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan marks Ranjit Singh anniversary amid absence of Indian Sikh pilgrims
Listen to article Pakistan marked on Saturday the 186th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with solemn ceremonies at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, but the absence of Indian Sikh pilgrims cast a shadow over the commemorations. Indian authorities denied permission for a delegation of Sikh devotees to travel to Pakistan despite Islamabad's official invitation, according to Pakistani officials. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh leaders and rights advocates, who called it discriminatory and a violation of religious freedom. Dr Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, Chairperson of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), addressed the gathering and paid tribute to Ranjit Singh's legacy of religious tolerance. 'Ranjit Singh built not just a Sikh state, but one rooted in respect for all faiths,' Chauhan said. 'Blocking Sikhs from visiting his mausoleum is a grave injustice.' Read: Global Sikh community thanked for solidarity A large number of Pakistani Sikh devotees gathered at Ranjit Singh's samadhi (mausoleum) to offer prayers and remember the founder of the Sikh Empire, widely revered for promoting pluralism. Chauhan said Pakistan had restored key Sikh sites including Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib and Dera Sahib. He also noted the facilities provided to pilgrims, including accommodation, healthcare, langar, and security. Additional Secretary Shrines, Saifullah Khokhar, said the event was a symbol of interfaith peace and cultural preservation. 'Pilgrims from around the world go back with respect and love for Pakistan's hospitality,' he said. Sardar Bishan Singh, former head of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, voiced sorrow over India's decision. 'It's heartbreaking for the global Sikh community,' he said. 'In contrast, minorities in Pakistan feel protected.' Punjab's Minister for Minorities and current Committee President, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, did not attend due to personal reasons. The event concluded with Sikh prayers, highlighting Pakistan's continued efforts to protect religious heritage despite regional tensions.
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Officials told to explain Nankana encroachments
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has issued show-cause notices to three officers over their alleged failure to prevent encroachments and unauthorised construction on trust properties in Nankana Sahib. The action came over findings presented in a report prepared following a visit to Nankana Sahib by the ETPB secretary under directives of a commission established on the orders of the Supreme Court. The report highlighted widespread encroachments and unauthorised structures on ETPB properties found over the past six months with photographic evidence. The officers served notices are Deputy Administrators Adnan Ahmad Hassan and Ejaz Ahmad, and Security Supervisor Arsalan Naeem. According to the report, the officials had failed to fulfill their core administrative responsibilities of safeguarding trust properties from encroachment and illegal occupation. It noted that the officers had neither identified the encroachments in time nor taken effective action to prevent or remove them. After reviewing the report, the ETPB chairman concluded that disciplinary action could be taken under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. The possible punishments include dismissal from service. The officers have been directed to submit a written explanation within 10 days, justifying why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. They have also been given the option to appear in person to present their defence. Failure to respond within the stipulated time may result in ex parte proceedings. The show-cause notices were issued by ETPB Secretary Fareed Iqbal with the approval of the chairman.
