Latest news with #RiazHussainPirzada
Business Recorder
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Police, intelligence agencies: Govt to allocate plots of land in Islamabad to families of martyrs
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is set to allocate plots for the families of martyrs of police and intelligence agencies in different schemes of Islamabad. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada announced the decision, saying his ministry is preparing a detailed summary to be submitted before the federal cabinet, proposing the allotment of plots to families of martyrs from police and intelligence agencies as a token of respect and acknowledgment for their sacrifices. In a significant milestone for the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA), Federal Minister for Housing and Worksformally handed over possession letters to the allottees of the Sky Gardens Housing Project in a ceremony held Thursday at the project site. Sky Gardens is a flagship joint venture FGEHA project, agreed and signed in 2019. Located in a scenic hilly area off the New Murree Expressway, the project spans over 11,000 kanals, out of which, 7,200 kanals have been transferred to the FGEHA. Initially the FGEHA handed over possession of fully developed plots in Block A to the respective allottees. They are now entitled and eligible to build their houses at the developed site, the minister added. This scheme was primarily designated for federal employees registered during the 2009 membership drive. The project comprises 10 residential blocks, with development work ongoing. Under Phase I, allottees have now been granted possession of plots in Block A, which covers 250 kanals and is fully developed, equipped with all basic amenities, and clear for handover. Riaz Hussain Pirzada stated those who invested their hard-earned savings and waited patiently for years are now seeing their dreams come true. This is just the first drop of rain — God willing! other stalled projects will also be expedited. The minister reaffirmed his commitment to completing all ongoing projects in a timely manner and eliminating corruption. He condemned the past inefficiencies and delays, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy. The FGEHA DG briefed the participants on the current status of the project and expressed optimism that possession of three additional blocks would be available to allottees by December 2025. He announced that development work for Lifestyle Residencia, Kashmir Avenue Apartments, and sectors F-14 and F-15 will commence by September 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Six bodies of Libya boat tragedy arrive
Federal Minister for Housing Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Thursday received the bodies of six Pakistani nationals who perished in a tragic boat accident off the coast of Libya on Feb 5. The remains were brought to Islamabad Airport this morning under special arrangements. The minister offered prayers for the deceased and expressed condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the PM. Speaking at the occasion, Minister Pirzada stated that Pakistan is in constant communication with Libyan authorities and international bodies to investigate the tragedy and combat human trafficking to prevent such incidents in the future.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bodies of six Pakistanis from Libya boat tragedy repatriated
Listen to article The bodies of six Pakistani nationals who perished in a boat tragedy off the coast of Zawiya city, Libya, were repatriated to Pakistan on Thursday. The remains, which arrived via a Qatar Airways flight, were received at Islamabad's airport by grieving families. The tragic incident, which occurred earlier this month, saw the capsizing of a migrant boat carrying around 65 passengers, 16 of whom were Pakistani nationals. While 37 Pakistanis survived, nearly 10 others remain missing. The repatriation was facilitated by the Government of Pakistan, with formalities completed by the Pakistani mission in Tripoli. Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada was present at the airport to receive the bodies, offering condolences to the families. He assured that all arrangements were made to ensure the bodies were transported to their hometowns. Pirzada expressed the government's commitment to supporting the families during this difficult time. 'The tragedy that occurred on February 5 has left many families in mourning,' he said. 'We stand with the victims' families and will ensure the return of the remaining bodies.' The repatriated bodies were identified as Musawir Hussain, Shoaib Ali, Muhammad Ali Shah, Abid Hussain, Musab Hussain, and Shoaib Hussain. All six hailed from Kurram and Orakzai regions in Pakistan. Pakistan's Foreign Office had earlier confirmed that the Libyan authorities had recovered the bodies of at least 16 Pakistani nationals. The boat capsized near the port of Marsa Dela, located northwest of Zawiya City. In response, the Pakistani government activated a crisis management cell to assist the grieving families and facilitate the repatriation process. Riaz Hussain Pirzada also highlighted the dangers of illegal migration, calling the incident a tragic lesson. 'This tragedy illustrates the risks of attempting to reach Europe through illegal routes,' he said, urging youth to pursue legal migration avenues. The bodies were handed over to their families, and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation arranged for their transport to the victims' hometowns. Ambulances and medical teams were also deployed to assist the grieving families during the repatriation process. Earlier, in a major breakthrough in the investigation of the 2025 Libya boat tragedy, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Kohat Zone arrested two members of an international human trafficking network. The suspects, Habibur Rehman and Naveed Ahmed, were apprehended in a raid at Pusht Bazaar, Bajaur. According to officials, the arrested individuals were part of a network operating alongside accomplices based in Italy, including Wajid Ali and Shah Faisal. The gang was involved in smuggling people to Europe through illegal channels. The tragic boat accident claimed the lives of 14 victims from Kurram, who had been lured into the perilous journey.
