Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan] The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has decided to construct markets and commercial plazas on vacant plots and open spaces located within its housing schemes across Rawalpindi. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Rawalpindi Abdul Aamer Khattak. Senior officials of the authority, including Additional Director General Masood Ahmad and Chief Engineer Anwar Baran, also attended the meeting. During the briefing, the Estate Management Directorate presented details of a new asset management initiative aimed at identifying and utilizing vacant properties and open spaces in 13 housing schemes owned by the RDA. Officials informed the meeting that the proposed initiative is designed to protect RDA land from illegal occupation, encroachments and land grabbing. They said commercial development on unused land would not only help secure public assets but also create sustainable sources of revenue for the authority. According to officials, the plan focuses on better use of land already available within existing housing schemes. Markets, plazas and other commercial facilities may be developed at selected sites after completion of design, planning and approval processes. Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak directed RDA officials to take all necessary steps to convert unused land into productive and income generating assets. He said public land should be managed in a structured and transparent manner so that it can support urban development and improve service delivery. The commissioner also instructed the RDA to extend full cooperation to the Estate Management Directorate for the implementation of the initiative. He directed the relevant departments to prepare project designs for the proposed commercial developments on a priority basis. Officials said the initiative is expected to help the RDA improve land management, prevent encroachments and strengthen its financial position through planned commercial activity within its housing schemes.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan] Work on the Rawalpindi Ring Road project has entered its final phase, with around 85 percent of construction completed, while the PC1 for the Thallian Interchange has also been approved at an estimated cost of PKR 4.8 billion. According to project details, the total cost of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, including the Thallian Interchange component, has reached PKR 51.4 billion. Officials said the 38.6-kilometre corridor is being developed as a major infrastructure project aimed at improving regional connectivity, reducing traffic pressure within Rawalpindi city, and providing a faster link between key routes around the district. The project includes important interchanges at Banth, Chak Beli Khan Road, Adiala, and Chakri, where construction work has also reached an advanced stage. Officials associated with the project said that work on the main route and its interchanges is progressing steadily, while around 15 percent of the remaining work is still pending. The Ring Road is expected to be opened for traffic by mid-June. However, officials confirmed that the road will initially become operational without the Thallian Interchange, which will be completed and opened separately in a later phase. The Thallian Interchange, along with a two lane motorway link road beyond it, will be developed by the National Highway Authority. The interchange is considered an important component of the overall project as it will provide improved access to the motorway network and strengthen the road’s role as a regional transport corridor. Sources in the Rawalpindi Development Authority, which is executing the main Ring Road project, said funds required for land acquisition for the Thallian Interchange are already available within the overall project cost. They added that construction activity on the main corridor is being monitored closely to ensure timely completion. Once completed, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to play a significant role in easing urban congestion, improving goods movement, and supporting future commercial and residential development along the route.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan] Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema has directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements at cattle markets being established across the district for Eid ul Azha, with a special focus on public convenience, animal health, cleanliness, security and traffic flow. He issued these directions while chairing an important meeting on Tuesday to review preparations for Eid cattle markets. The meeting was attended by all assistant commissioners, officers of relevant departments and representatives of administrative institutions. During the meeting, officials reviewed arrangements for essential facilities at cattle markets, including parking areas, lighting, clean drinking water, waste management, medical assistance and smooth movement of traffic. The deputy commissioner directed the departments concerned to complete all necessary preparations in advance so that citizens do not face inconvenience while purchasing sacrificial animals. The meeting also decided that special counters of the Livestock Department would be established at cattle markets to provide facilities related to animal health, vaccination, disease diagnosis and immediate medical assistance. Veterinary teams will remain present at the markets to examine animals and provide timely treatment where required. Officials were further instructed to ensure regular spray and disinfection at cattle markets to prevent the spread of diseases among animals and maintain a clean and healthy environment. The administration will also set up information desks to guide citizens and provide them with necessary assistance. Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said that effective cleanliness, security and medical arrangements must be ensured at all cattle markets. He added that, in line with the directions of the Punjab government, all possible facilities would be provided to the public during Eid-ul-Azha. The deputy commissioner said the district administration would continuously monitor the arrangements at cattle markets to ensure smooth operations and resolve public complaints without delay.