ISLAMABAD, DEC 2 /DNA/ – A meeting regarding the Geo-Spatial Land Survey and Encroachment issues was held under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by the Member (Planning & Development), Member (Estate), Director General (Planning), and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of CDA, Director (DMA) along with the senior officers from the concerned Wings and formations.

During the meeting, Chairman CDA was briefed on the Geo-Spatial Technology project, an initiative aimed at addressing the issues of encroachment on CDA-acquired land, the unregulated growth of informal settlements, and the challenges posed by urban sprawl.

The meeting was briefed about the recent geo-spatial survey carried out by CDA with the help of the latest technologies including satellite imagery provided by SUPARCO. The servery was done in key commercial areas, including important markets and commercial hubs of Islamabad, to identify encroachment, violations of building by laws and land use planning.

Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, directed that a centralized and unified planning approach be adopted to address the issue of encroachment, violation of building laws and urban sprawl. He emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring through drones with advanced tools for continuous surveillance of land use and urban development.

The meeting also discussed the real-time images being used from SUPARCO to help track changes in land usage and identify encroachments as well in the city.

The meeting further discussed the importance of devising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline efforts for geo-spatial survey with clearcut timelines.

The issue of encroachment was discussed in detail, with a special focus on reporting and monitoring on a daily basis. Chairman CDA directed to carry out operations in complete syn with all formations involved in the anti encroachment drive and to work in close coordination with the district administration. He also directed to devise a mechanism for ensuing non recurrence of encroachment in the clear land. Chairman CDA directed to register FIRs against those involved in illegal encroachments time and again, in order to prevent any recurrence in the future.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa reiterated the need for a comprehensive, coordinated approach to managing land through the use of latest technologies, curbing encroachment, and ensuring the proper land use for the benefit of Islamabad’s residents.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 2: /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will visit Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 3-4 December 2024 to participate in the “One Water Summit”

A joint initiative of Saudi Arabia, France, Kazakhstan, and the World Bank, the Summit aims to promote global cooperation and a coherent international approach towards water resource management through high-level political commitments.

At the Summit, the Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address at a Roundtable focusing on restoration, preservation, and adaptation in the context of fresh water resources and wetlands. He will also highlight steps being taken by Pakistan to promote water conservation, strengthen climate resilience, improve water quality, create livelihoods, and conserve biodiversity. 

The Prime Minister will underline the importance of international cooperation to tackle the impact of climate-induced floods, erratic and extreme weather patterns, and heat stress on water resources and ecosystems. He will also call for meaningful international collaboration for sustainable water resource management.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings and engagements.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 2 /DNA/ – The Faculty of Social Sciences at the National University of Modern Languages, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission under the National Research Program for Universities (NRPU), inaugurated a two-day international conference titled “Prioritizing Economic Agenda in Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Towards the United States, China, and the European Union.”

The conference brought together policymakers, academicians, and thought leaders to address the critical role of economic diplomacy in reshaping Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities.

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Haroon Sharif, Former Minister of State and Chairman of Pakistan’s Board of Investment, delivered the keynote address.

In the Inaugural session, welcoming remarks were delivered by Brig. Shahzad Munir, DG NUML, emphasized Pakistan’s transformative potential, stating, “Pakistan is at a defining moment in its history. By setting clear priorities and implementing sound economic policies, we can unlock a brighter future,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shad, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Jean Monnet Chair, outlined the conference objectives, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for Pakistan in the global economic landscape.

Mr. Haroon Sharif underscored the importance of redefining economic diplomacy. He called for a pragmatic approach to trade and investment, stating, “Selling geo-location and cheap labour is no longer viable. Pakistan must focus on value addition, creating competitive exports, and leveraging its human capital.”

He identified key challenges and fault lines, including low productivity, no trend of value addition to the products, lack of export competitiveness, and insufficient job creation. He urged policymakers to adopt a proactive stance, bringing concrete deals to the table, modernizing infrastructure and making ports independent to boost regional connectivity.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri emphasized the need for preparedness in economic diplomacy, particularly in understanding the nuances of global powers and their priorities. He highlighted upcoming challenges, such as the European Union’s 2026 carbon tax policy, and stressed the importance of aligning Pakistan’s supply chains with global environmental standards.

Dr. Suleri also recommended engaging with the United States on debt sustainability and focusing on the evolving dynamics of geo-economic diplomacy, especially in light of potential shifts in global leadership. He also remarked that Pakistan must also understand the red lines of the US, China and EU before setting an economic agenda in its Foreign Policy.

The first session of the conference focused on “Prioritizing Economic Agenda in Pakistan-US Relations.” Experts discussed challenges, opportunities, and policy lessons to strengthen economic ties. Dr Saira Aquil from QAU, Dr Noor Fatima from IIUI, Dr Ahmed Ijaz Malik from QAU, and Dr Usman W. Chohan from the Center for Aerospace & Security Studies were among the distinguished speakers.

The second session, titled “Prioritizing Economic Agenda in Pakistan-China Relations,” featured insightful discussions on challenges and opportunities within the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Speakers included Dr Khalid Waleed (SDPI), Muhammad Ali Kemal (Ministry of Planning), Dr Mahmood Khalid (PIDE), Dr Muhammad Fahim Khan (Bahria University), and Dr Hassan Daud Butt (former CEO KP-BOIT).

The first day of the conference concluded with an engaging Q&A session, providing participants an opportunity to delve deeper into the critical issues discussed.

The conference will continue tomorrow with more expert discussions on Pakistan’s economic agenda concerning the European Union and strategies for integrating global economic trends into national policymaking.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan was arrested in seven new cases linked to the recent protests of the party.

The former prime minister was presented before an anti-terrorism court judge at Adiala jail, where he has been incarcerated for months, after the completion of six-day physical remand in a separate case pertaining to PTI’s September 28 protest in the garrison town.

The prosecution team did not seek extension in the physical remand. The case lodged at the New Town police station, alleges Khan of issuing a call for the demonstration, which led to violent incidents in Rawalpindi.

During the hearing, the Pindi police arrested the former premier in the new cases, pertaining to the more recent protests staged by PTI on October 5 and November 24, besides a separate case linked to the Rawalpindi demonstration.

However, the prosecution did not seek physical custody of the high-profile suspect in the new cases as well.

At this, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, who was hearing the matter, sent Khan on judicial remand in all the cases, including the fresh cases.

The new cases have been registered against Khan in various police stations for giving calls of protests that resulted in violent incidents.

It may be noted that at least three Rangers personnel and two copes were martyred in violent clashes with the PTI protesters in the latest protest in November. PTI claims that at least 20 lives of its members were also killed.

PTI’s protest ended abruptly when the authorities launched a late-night crackdown on party workers and leaders at Islamabad’s D-Chowk.

The law enforcers also arrested more than 1,000 PTI workers, including over three dozen Afghan nationals, and recovered tear gas and other ammunition.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP):Pakistan Railways has leased out approximately 14,042 acres of its land to private individuals and various government departments under an open competition policy to generate revenue.  

An official from the Ministry of Railways told APP that the leasing process is being done according to the Pakistan Railway Property & Land Rules-2023,” which were approved by the Federal Cabinet.

Of the total leased land, around 10,747 acres have been allocated to private individuals through open competition for agricultural, commercial, and stacking purposes, while 3,295 acres have been leased to different government departments.

The department through this process generated revenue amounting to Rs. 3,323 million during the financial year 2022-23, the official added.

In response to a query, the official said Pakistan Railways has intensified efforts to reclaim approximately 13,972 acres of land, worth billions of rupees, which is currently under illegal occupation by private individuals and various government departments across the country.

The breakdown of illegally occupied land includes 5,809 acres in Punjab, 1,181 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 5,948 acres in Sindh, and 1,034 acres in Balochistan.

Giving details of the land, the official said that around 769 acres were commercial in all the provinces, 3,309 residential, 5,512 acres agricultural and 4382 were under encroachment of various persons or departments

To address this issue, Pakistan Railways has decided to intensify its anti-encroachment operations nationwide to recover its land from individuals, groups, and business organizations who have been using it for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes for decades.

Joint procedural orders have been issued to all Divisional Superintendents of Pakistan Railways to reclaim encroached land,” the official said.

He explained that anti-encroachment operations are being initiated across the railway network by the concerned divisions. Notices are issued to encroachers under the Possession Ordinance of 1965, requiring them to vacate railway land or structures within 14 days.

The official added that Pakistan Railway Police, district administrations, and law enforcement agencies are being informed to provide necessary assistance during these operations.