Infrastructure and Transport News

[Hang em High]

no. who is shamim akhtar? our former state bank governor

Yes the same fem dog!!! I guess Shamshad Akhtar

 

[SHAMK9]

PIA to buy fuel-efficient aircraft ​

LAHORE (September 16 2008): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Managing Director Captain Ajaz Haroon has said that PIA will buy fuel-efficient passenger aircraft after disposing of existing aircraft that have outlived its operational life. He expressed these views while talking to newsmen at an iftar dinner hosted by PIA here on Monday.

Haroon said: "In order to come out of the financial crisis they have requested the government to take the ownership of its assets (especially its hotels in New York and Paris) that worth not less than US $1 billion." To a question, he said an amount of Rs 1.5 billion, which PIA owe to the Civil Aviation Authority, is disputed and would be settled soon.

WHICH AIRCRAFT

 

[SHAMK9]

Construction of tallest building of South Asia: eight-member board of directors constituted


LAHORE (October 10 2008): Punjab government has constituted an eight-member board of directors (BoD) to review the constructing of the first tallest building (1947 feet) of South Asia, Mubarak Centre, that would be completed by the year 2012 at a cost of $1.2 billion. The 72-story-Mubarak Centre is being constructed under private-public partnership with 30:70 ratio of the Punjab government and the Abu Dhabi Group respectively.

Punjab government will be represented by Secretary Finance, Chairman Planning and Development and Chief Secretary while Abu Dhabi Group will be represented by Chairman Abu Dhabi Group Sheikh Nehyan Mubarak Al-Nehyan and CEO Abu Dhabi Group Bashir Ahmed Tahir in the new board of directors.

Mubarak Centre will be the tallest building in South Asia after its completion. The Centre will include residential and office towers, as well as conference halls and a shopping mall. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2010 and the whole project will be completed at a cost of about $1.2 billion in 2012.

The complex will consist of four towers and a small eclipse shaped building. The main tower will be 72 stories, while the first 30 floors will be reserved for offices, and from 31 to above for residential apartments. The other three towers will be between 30 to 34 stories, with an eclipse shaped tower in between, which will house uniquely designed apartments along with a five story covered shopping mall, which will be biggest and most exclusive shopping and entertainment complex in the region.

The eclipse shaped tower will also house the largest reception and conference halls in the country, holding between 3,500-4,000 people. There will be exclusive, high-end residential suites in the main tower, again managed by Hyatt residency. Also, parking space will be provided for over 4,000 cars. The complex will be connected to the Gaddafi Stadium Sports Complex by a covered, over-head bridge or possibly an underpass.

The project is being carried out as a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Group and the government of Punjab. The two investors have formed a holding company for Mubarak Centre called Taavun (Pvt) Ltd, which will be responsible for managing the project. Pakistani and foreign companies will construct this project.

The height of the building will make it visible from India, as well as allow residents of the upper floors views of the Golden Temple in Amritsar (approximately 50km away from the building) on clear days.

With the completion of Mubarak Tower, investment by Abu Dhabi Group will exceed $12 billion mark in Pakistan, which is the largest investment in the country by any foreign group. According to an official of the provincial government, this will be the tallest building in the region and the government is taking keen interest in promoting such mega projects.

Business Recorder [Pakistan's First Financial Daily]

this project is cancelled

 

[Omar1984]

Govt to construct roads in NWFP ​

ISLAMABAD: To reduce transportation cost and to facilitate efficient movement of goods and passengers in selected 16 districts of NWFP, the government with the cooperation of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC/OECF) will initiate Rural Roads Construction Phase-II with the cost of Rs 6.974 billion.

For completion of this scheme, the government of Japan (JBIC) would provide Rs 6.556 billion (94 percent) soft loan and the remaining 6 percent (Rs 418.51 million) would be arranged by the provincial government of NWFP, sources told Daily Times on Thursday. Main purpose of the scheme was to construct 331 kilo meters of rural roads in districts Peshawar, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, DI Khan, Dir, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Tank, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand and Chitral. It would help in rural transformation, better access to health facilities, and agriculture development in the targeted areas. The scheme would also assist the government in rehabilitation of the existing farm to market roads, which are in deteriorated condition.

The sources said no direct income was expected from the project. However, there would be insignificant benefits in terms of reduction in transportation cost, time saving and to farmers to bring their commodities to market timely. Under this scheme, about 215 kilo meters with unit cost Rs13.90 million would be spent on rehabilitation, widening of rural roads in plan areas, and about 116 kilometres with unit cost of Rs 20 million would be spent on rehabilitation, widening of rural roads in hilly areas, the sources maintained. staff report

 

[Hang em High]

Well guys if you want to read something on pakistan's infrstructure development problems read this highly in-effective and badly written report. [though good for starters]. Follow the source link.
Source: South Asia - Pakistan: Infrastructure Implementation Assessment

 

[Hang em High]

The very scale of Pakistan’s education sector -- more than 150,000 public education institutions serving over 21 million students and a huge private sector that serves another 12 million – presents formidable challenges.

Expanding access and achieving gender parity
Literacy in Pakistan rose from 45 to 54 percent between 2002 and 2006, and net primary enrollment rates increased from 42 to 52 percent. But Pakistan’s participation rates remain the lowest in South Asia and there are wide male-female, inter-regional and rural-urban disparities:
- Only 22 percent of girls, compared to 47 percent boys, complete primary schooling
- Female literacy in rural Balochistan is only 32 percent compared to high urban male literacy rates (80 percent among urban male in Sindh)
Sustained efforts are needed to achieve the 2015 Millennium Development Goals in education -- full primary completion and gender parity in enrolments.

Reducing the high dropout rates
School dropout rates are high starting, especially, at the secondary level:
- Only 30 percent of Pakistan’s children receive secondary education
- Only 19 percent attend upper secondary schools

Expanding and modernizing vocational and tertiary education
Better access, teaching and research are needed at the tertiary level to equip graduates with the high-level skills needed to build a knowledge economy. Currently:
- Tertiary enrollment rates are less than 5 percent of the eligible age cohort (17-23).
- Less than 8 percent of the work force receives formal training.

Improving education quality and governance
These challenges call for improvements in governance and greater accountability on the part of education service providers. This requires:
- Continued government commitment to education and policy reforms.
- Capacity building in institutions delivering education services.
- Increased investment in education which, currently at 2.3 percent of GDP, is among the lowest in South Asia.

Source: Pakistan - Education in Pakistan

 

[Omar1984]

Arbab appreciates China road infrastructure assistance ​

Islamabad—Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan appreciated on Monday the assistance provided by Chinese government in the road infrastructure in Pakistan and said that the cooperation between China and Pakistan has proved to be exemplary. He was addressing a joint ministerial committee meeting between Pakistan and China which was held at the NHA.The Pakistani side was headed by Federal Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan and the officials from Ministry of Communications and other ministries also attended the meeting. Xu Zuyuan, Vice Minister for Transport of China headed the Chinese delegation including officials from Ministry of Transport,International Cooperation Department and representatives of Chinese Engineering Companies. The meeting discussed host of issues including Gwadar Port, its infrastructure and road network plan, connectivity projects, Hawelian- Khunjrab Road/ Railway link and construction of roads and Highways including extension work on Karakorum Highway (KKH).

The Minister while addressing the meeting said that ministry of communication has taken up projects worth Rs 150 billion in Pakistan and it has involved different Chinese companies in the development of infrastructure projects. He said that the government of Pakistan desires more technical and physical assistance from the government of China in these projects.

He added that KKH is a landmark project and a symbol of friendship between the two countries, which has significance both historical and economical importance. He appreciated the progress of work on the Khunjrab-Raikot Road being carried out by the Chinese firm and hoped that Chinese government will also extend assistance in the other projects as well.

The minister also praised the Gwadar Project completed by the China and stressed the need for upward linkages of the port with the rest of the country and neighboring countries. Chinese technical as well financial assistance in this regard would be of great help, he added.

Chinese Vice Minister of Transport Xu Zuyuan said that Pak- China relations are time tested and the geo-strategic partnership between the two countries will continue in the future as well. He extended his support and assistance to Ministry of Communications and NHA in the road sector cooperation. Xu Zuyuan also extended an invitation to the Minister to visit China to further promote the bilateral economic activities.

Earlier the Chairman NHA Altaf Chaudhry briefed the delegation about the ongoing and future projects of NHA. The Chairman said that Chinese company is presently working on the Khunjrab-Raikot section of KKH, but the work has been stopped due to the land sliding at Hunza. He said that NHA looks forward to technical and financial assistance of China in removing the blockade to complete the project in time. Altaf Chaudhry said that Gwadar Port, built with Chinese assistance, needs upward links to the rest of the country and neighboring countries. He anticipated that Chinese firms would show interest in these projects to connect Gwadar Port with rest of the country for trade and commerce.—APP

 

[Omar1984]

Construction of marine protection, quay wall inaugurated ​

KARACHI: Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Babar Khan Ghauri in presence of the Vice Minister for Transport, Peoples Republic of China, Xu Zuyuan inaugurated the construction of marine protection and quay wall works of the Deep Water Container Port at Karachi Port on March 30, 2010.

While speaking at the ceremonial gathering, the Minister said Pakistan is blessed with a coast of warm waters with three ports which gives it a strategic advantage in accessing Central Asia and South Western China through an economical connection of South Asia, Central Asia and beyond.

He said Karachi Port is central to the scheme and with existing good roads and rail facilities further extended on completion of the new port, there would be greater clearance and connectivity with hinterland. The initiation of construction of marine protection and quay walls works, in the second phase, underlines the speedy ongoing work of the project along with the ongoing dredging and reclamation works.

Earlier, the Chairperson KPT Nasreen Haque emphasised on the importance of the Deep Water Container Port and the various phases in which these works are being undertaken. She said the project costing $1.6 billion would complete in various phases – Marine Protection Work, Quay Wall Construction Work, Dredging and Reclamation Works and Navigational Aids work.

Of these, the Dredging and Reclamation Work is already underway by a Chinese firm namely M/s China Water & Electric Company and now KPT is entering in the second phase to start the construction of Marine Protection and Quay Wall works, which too has been awarded to another Chinese firm namely M/s China Harbour Engineering Company Limited having vast national and international experience related to infrastructure and port related developments.

She said the marine protection works envisages providing shelter to the port basin and preventing sediment movements in the basin, whereas, the construction of quay wall will be providing berths of 16 meters depth initially and finally 18 meters for accommodating Super Panamax vessels.

With the completion of the Deep Water Container Port, Karachi Port will be ready to receive and dock larger and mother vessels. The Marine Protection Work includes the construction of 3 breakwaters and a sand dyke. The three breakwaters have been given names Keamari Extension, Oyster Rock Breakwater and Manora Breakwater. Keeping in view the significance, the design parameters are set according to wave conditions (generated by180 – 270 degrees south westerly winds) entering the port of Karachi. The design life and standard of breakwaters are of 50 years and the design standard adopted for life is 100 years. It is estimated to cost $250 million and will complete in 30 months.

The Chinese Minister for Transport, Xu Zuyuan said as an Asian developing country, China sees the development of Pakistan with great interest. He said Chinese people feel profound pleasure when Pakistan treads on the path of progress and development. He said the construction of Deep Water Container Port is in the national interest of Pakistan and the construction of marine protection and quay wall are significant steps taken by Pakistan to make the new port a reality. staff report

 

[Hyde]

Chinese government asked to finance rail link projects worth $6 billion ​

ISLAMABAD (April 01 2010): Pakistan has requested China to finance Pakistan Railways projects, costing over $6 billion, to develop rail link with Iran, Central Asian States, and European countries in a bid to enhance trade with neighbouring countries, Business Recorder has learnt.

A list of projects, obtained from Railway Ministry, shows that Pakistan is currently negotiating with Chinese government to finance the project 'Construction of new Rail link from Havelian to Khunjrab' costing $3 billion designed to connect China with Europe (EU) through Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. Sources said that the pre-feasibility study had been finalised and submitted to Chinese government for financing. Total track length is 662 km.

Pakistan is also seeking Chinese assistance for 'Construction of Rail link from Gwadar Port to Mastung (Quetta)' costing $1.783 billion for rail link with Central Asian Republics (CAR) through Afghanistan. The other project is 'Up-gradation of Spezand-Taftan Rail link' (608 km) worth $529.4 million for rail traffic with Europe through Iran and Turkey.

A trial container train is already in operation from Islamabad to Istanbul (Turkey) via Iran with transshipment at Iran border due to change of gauge of rolling stock. Construction of Rail link from Peshawar to Jalalabad would cost $155 million and funding request for this project has also been tabled before the Chinese government. Replacement of obsolete signal system from Lodhran to Kotri is also being discussed with Chinese government. It would cost $284 million.

Pakistan Railways has a fleet of 69 Chinese locomotives and the government of Pakistan has placed an order with Chinese suppliers for procurement of 75 more locomotives. "Chinese government may provide technical and financial assistance along with transfer of technology for manufacture of locomotives in future," sources noted.

They said that Pakistan Railway is in dire need of modern high capacity wagons to replace obsolete 4 wheeler wagons. Pakistan Railways is preparing PC-1 for projects for procurement of 2500 high capacity wagons costing $264.7 million, and 1000 high capacity tank wagons worth $140 million. "These wagons are urgently needed for transportation of containers and oil traffic and the government of Pakistan has sought technical and financial assistance along with transfer of technology for manufacture of wagons from China," sources added.

The development of rail through private sector funding, under public private partnership (PPP) mode is being considered a major opportunity for rehabilitation of the rail system in Pakistan which requires investment. "Pakistan has urged China for PPP mode to invest in railway sector as the potential scope for PPP with China in Pakistan Railways is very large," sources added. PPP mode is also possible in non-core activities such as locomotives, coach sleeper manufacturing factories and other sub-sectors like maintenance of track. Pakistan has requested the Chinese government to urge Chinese firms to take part in various projects under PPP mode as they would be provided necessary support and incentives," sources said.

 

[Hyde]

PIA to expand flight operations by launching new destinations ​

KARACHI (April 01 2010): PIA is expanding its flight operations this year, by launching new destinations and increasing the frequency of its existing flights. PIA is pleased to announce commencement of its new weekly flight to Kuala Lumpur from Lahore/Islamabad on every Wednesday.

The airline now operates three weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur from Pakistan two flights from Karachi every Friday and Sunday and one flight from Lahore/Islamabad. Managing Director PIA, Captain Muhammad Aijaz Haroon while sharing his views on the commencement of third weekly flight to Kuala Lumpur; said that this flight meets the longstanding demand of travellers, business and expatriate community.

The National Carrier is expanding its operations to new destinations while increasing the frequency of its existing well - established routes such as Karachi- London, Karachi - Dubai and other destinations, he added. PIA's first flight for Kuala Lumpur carrying 204 passengers took off on Wednesday at 7:00 am from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.

Passengers of the said flight were seen off by PIA District Manager Lahore, Mansoor A Mela and other senior officials of the airline. PIA has planned twice weekly flights to Chicago, USA via Barcelona from Pakistan starting from June 2, 2010. The airline will also start direct flight to Jeddah from Sialkot on April 3, 2010, while one weekly London flight from Sialkot via Karachi has already been introduced earlier this week.

Fourth weekly flight from Karachi to London with B777 aircraft will be starting from May 10, 2010, and a third weekly flight to New York starting from May 18, 2010. PIA is now operating twice daily flights from Karachi to Dubai with both morning and evening departures for the convenience of the passengers. The airline will also operate a third weekly frequency to Oslo/ Copenhagen starting Thursday April 1, 2010. The increased flight frequencies and new destinations introduced will further facilitate passengers besides earning revenues for the national carrier.-PR

 

[SHAMK9]

PIA to expand flight operations by launching new destinations ​

KARACHI (April 01 2010): PIA is expanding its flight operations this year, by launching new destinations and increasing the frequency of its existing flights. PIA is pleased to announce commencement of its new weekly flight to Kuala Lumpur from Lahore/Islamabad on every Wednesday.

The airline now operates three weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur from Pakistan two flights from Karachi every Friday and Sunday and one flight from Lahore/Islamabad. Managing Director PIA, Captain Muhammad Aijaz Haroon while sharing his views on the commencement of third weekly flight to Kuala Lumpur; said that this flight meets the longstanding demand of travellers, business and expatriate community.

The National Carrier is expanding its operations to new destinations while increasing the frequency of its existing well - established routes such as Karachi- London, Karachi - Dubai and other destinations, he added. PIA's first flight for Kuala Lumpur carrying 204 passengers took off on Wednesday at 7:00 am from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.

Passengers of the said flight were seen off by PIA District Manager Lahore, Mansoor A Mela and other senior officials of the airline. PIA has planned twice weekly flights to Chicago, USA via Barcelona from Pakistan starting from June 2, 2010. The airline will also start direct flight to Jeddah from Sialkot on April 3, 2010, while one weekly London flight from Sialkot via Karachi has already been introduced earlier this week.

Fourth weekly flight from Karachi to London with B777 aircraft will be starting from May 10, 2010, and a third weekly flight to New York starting from May 18, 2010. PIA is now operating twice daily flights from Karachi to Dubai with both morning and evening departures for the convenience of the passengers. The airline will also operate a third weekly frequency to Oslo/ Copenhagen starting Thursday April 1, 2010. The increased flight frequencies and new destinations introduced will further facilitate passengers besides earning revenues for the national carrier.-PR

PIA is rapidly growing mashallah . they need more long range planes

 

[sparklingway]

It seems like the M-8 (Ratodero - Gwadar) is going to be completed by the end of the year. Anybody with firsthand knowledge about these projects?

 

[Hyde]

You are right sparkling check out the map from Google. M8 is 95% completed...Just need to connect a tiny part near Khuzdar (somewhere in the middle of M8). That will connect Gwadar with Sindh



Check it out yourself from google maps

 

[ameer219]

Ticketless travelling: Karachi Railway Division recovers over Rs 13 million


KARACHI (April 05 2010): The Administration of Karachi Railway Division continue to come down on ticket less travellers with a strong hand and during the month of March the special teams detected 17,576 ticket less travellers.

The drive against ticket less travelling started on the directive of Divisional Superordinate Aftab Memon, has produced positive results, said Divisional Commercial Officer, Kashif Yusufani, while talking to APP.

He said that during March the railway recovered an amount of Rs 7.234 million from ticket less travellers. He pointed out that during February when the drive was started, the railway special teams had detected 16,316 ticket less travellers along with recovery of fair and fine of over Rs 6.400 million bringing the total recovery during February and March to record Rs 13.634 million.

DCO said that during March 5 railway employees were also placed suspension for helping the passengers to travel ticket less and served with showcause notices. He said that recommendation has been sent to Headquarters for initiating action against 11 officials of other Divisions as well as police officials for their abetment in ticket less travelling.

Yusufani said that the drive would continue unabated and the action taken during the last two months had alerted the unscrupulous railway employees and other elements who were now discouraging the menace of ticket less travelling.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2010


Business Recorder [Pakistan's First Financial Daily]

 

[Omar1984]

China interested in more bilateral projects ​

ISLAMABAD: The present government is taking up various mega projects to develop the road infrastructure in Pakistan, said Federal minister for Communication Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan here on Monday.

He appreciated the assistance of the Chinese government in this field and added the China’s cooperation with Pakistan has proved exemplary.

Addressing a joint ministerial committee meeting between Pakistan and China, which was held at the NHA, he said ministry of communication has taken up projects worth Rs 150 billion in Pakistan and it has involved different Chinese companies in the development of infrastructure projects. He expressed the government of Pakistan desires more technical and physical assistance from the China’s government in these projects. He added KKH is a landmark project and a symbol of friendship between the two countries, which has a historical and economical importance.

He appreciated the progress of work on the Khunjrab- Raikot Road is being carried out by the Chinese firm and hoped that Chinese government will also extend assistance in the other projects as well.

The minister also praised the Gawader Project completed by the Chinese and expressed a need for upward linkages of the Port with the rest of the country and neighboring countries. Chinese technical as well as financial assistance in this regard would be of great help, he added.

Chinese vice minister of Transport Xu Zuyuan said Pak-China relations are time tested and the geo strategic partnership between the two countries will continue in the future as well. He extended his support and assistance to Ministry of communication and NHA in the road sector cooperation. Xu Zuyuan also extended an invitation to the Minister to visit China to further promote the bilateral economic activities.

Earlier, the Chairman NHA briefed the delegation about the ongoing and future projects of NHA. The chairman said the Chinese company is presently working on the Khunjrab-Raikot section of KKH, but the work has been stopped due to the land sliding at Hunza. He said NHA is looking forward to technical and financial assistance of China in removing the blockade to complete the project on time.

He said Gawader Port, built with Chinese assistance, needs upward links to the rest of the country and neighboring countries. He anticipated that Chinese firms would show interest in these projects to connect Gawader Port with the rest of the country for trade and commerce. Later, Minister for Communication Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan gave a shield of NHA to the visiting dignitary and thanked him for the visit.

The Pakistani side was headed by Federal Minister for Communication Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan and the officials from Ministry of communication, and other ministries, Xu Zuyuan, Vice Minister of Transport, People’s Republic of China headed the Chinese delegation including officials from Ministry of transport, International cooperation department and representatives of Chinese Engineering Companies. staff report