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## Pakistan Railway Development Initiatives & Key National Briefs
Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, has announced a significant collaborative effort with the Sindh government to launch major railway development projects within the province. Leading a review meeting concerning the Sukkur Railway Division, Minister Abbasi stated that following the successful upgrade of the Karachi Cantonment Station, the focus has now shifted to the vital Rohri Railway Station.
### Infrastructure: Rohri Station Upgrade on 50/50 Cost Split
Minister Abbasi confirmed that a comprehensive master plan for the Rohri Railway Station upgrade has been finalized. Tenders for the project are scheduled to be issued this month, marking the official start of implementation.
The project is structured as a joint venture, with costs being equally shared: 50% will be borne by the Sindh Government, and 50% by Pakistan Railways. The Minister confirmed that Sindh Chief Minister has assured complete cooperation for the Rohri project and other associated developmental works. The ambitious target for the completion of the Rohri Railway Station upgrade is set for June of next year.
### Governance & Provincial Affairs
**Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:** Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited Peshawar Central Jail where he announced a two-month special remission for prisoners. However, contradictory reports emerged later stating that proceedings have been initiated to declare CM Afridi an absconder.
**Balochistan:** Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti raised alarm over the rapidly deteriorating drought situation in Balochistan and emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive planning to mitigate the crisis.
**Sindh Assembly:** During a session of the Sindh Assembly, two significant resolutions were tabled: one aimed at modernizing the fire brigade system along contemporary lines, and another commemorating the 1971 East Pakistan tragedy. The resolution on 1971 specifically paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Bihari community.
**Political Engagement:** The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) delegation engaged in various political consultations, including visits to the Jamaat-e-Islami office in Islamabad and a meeting with Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Sherpao.
### Security, Law & Order
**Hostage Recovery:** Authorities successfully recovered all 14 passengers who had been abducted from a bus traveling from Sadiqabad to Quetta.
**Sabotage:** Railway services were disrupted near Humayun, Shikarpur, after the railway track was damaged by an explosion.
**Karachi Crime:** Karachi Additional IG Javed Alam Odho chaired a security review meeting focused on Christmas preparations. Separately, two separate incidents of armed robbery occurred over two days in the Gulshan-e-Hadeed area, targeting two different supermarkets.
**High-Profile Suspension:** DSP Usman Haider has been arrested and subsequently suspended from duty on charges related to the alleged murder of his wife and daughter.
**Appointments:** Zafar Hijazi was formally sworn in as the Federal Tax Ombudsman in Islamabad, administered by President Asif Zardari.
### International & Human Rights
**Bilateral Ties:** The new UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, visited Governor House Sindh, meeting with Governor Kamran Tessori. Discussions centered on strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations, investment opportunities, and other mutual interests.
**HRCP Condemnation:** The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a strong reaction condemning the action of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for reportedly pulling the veil (Niqab) off a Muslim female doctor in the Indian state.
**Australian Bravery:** In the wake of a recent attack in Australia, Muhammad Fateh, the father of the citizen credited with subduing the attacker, stated that his son’s bravery had saved the lives of dozens of innocent people.
### Miscellaneous Briefs
* In a legal development, an application was filed in the Peshawar High Court seeking the removal of Provincial Minister Amjad Ali’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL).
* Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo’s passing was confirmed by his family.
* Bollywood actor Anupam Kher chose to travel by train after missing a connecting Indigo flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, describing the rail journey as an interesting experience.
* Rao Tariq, General Secretary of the Marriage Hall Association, asserted that the ‘One Dish’ wedding regulation has not received popular acceptance.
