Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan] Rawalpindi’s long awaited Kachehry Chowk remodeling project is expected to be opened to traffic on May 31, marking a major step toward resolving persistent congestion at one of the city’s busiest and most critical intersections. The project includes road widening, improved traffic flow arrangements, and modern infrastructure upgrades designed to ensure smoother movement of vehicles. Kachehry Chowk has long remained a pressure point for daily commuters due to heavy traffic from multiple connecting routes. Officials believe the completion of the project will significantly reduce traffic jams, shorten travel time, and improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and public transport users. The upgraded intersection is also expected to benefit nearby businesses and residents who have faced daily delays due to traffic bottlenecks. Once opened, the remodeled Kachehry Chowk is likely to provide immediate relief to thousands of commuters traveling across Rawalpindi, while also improving the overall efficiency of the city’s road network.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging a housing project in Murree, ruling that the plea was not maintainable under Article 199 of the Constitution. Justice Jawad Hassan announced the reserved verdict on a petition filed by Syed Nauman Shah, who had sought to halt the project on environmental grounds, alleging violations of ecological safeguards, non compliance with Supreme Court directives, and illegal use of forest and communal land. The petitioner argued that the housing scheme 'Commoners Sky Garden', located in Mauza Mangal and Kathar, was being developed without mandatory environmental approvals and in violation of earlier Supreme Court restrictions. He also raised concerns over deforestation and encroachment that he said could damage the fragile ecosystem of the Murree region. In response, the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and other respondents maintained that all necessary approvals and no objection certificates had been obtained from relevant bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). They further informed the court that the matter was already under consideration before a special implementation bench of the Supreme Court. In its detailed judgment, the court observed that the petitioner had not approached the relevant forums at the appropriate stage and could not invoke constitutional jurisdiction at a belated stage involving disputed facts. It also noted that a large number of allottees had already acquired vested rights and that the project had reached an advanced stage after significant investment, making judicial interference potentially disruptive. The court further held that enforcement of Supreme Court judgments falls within the jurisdiction of the apex court itself, particularly where a dedicated implementation bench is already seized of the matter. Allowing parallel proceedings before the High Court, it added, would lead to unnecessary litigation and undermine the constitutional framework. The petition was also found to contain vague and multiple prayers, which the court ruled are not permissible under Article 199(1 A), introduced through the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Dismissing the petition, the court allowed the petitioner to pursue remedies before the appropriate legal forum.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan] Authorities have decided to construct water storage tanks along the Rawalpindi Ring Road to support operational requirements and facilitate public use, including services for the Parks and Horticulture Authority. The directive was issued by Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Engineer Amir Khattak, during a high-level meeting to review progress on the long-awaited infrastructure project. He also disclosed that a proposal is under consideration to establish a dedicated policing system for the Ring Road, including a separate traffic police force to ensure smooth traffic flow once the road becomes functional. Addressing ongoing challenges, the commissioner pointed out that disruptions in the supply of construction materials and rising water levels have contributed to delays. He emphasized the need for stronger coordination among relevant departments to overcome these hurdles and prevent further setbacks. The meeting also reviewed pending payments related to land acquisition. Khattak directed officials to send letters to concerned deputy commissioners for the immediate clearance of dues, warning that delays in payments could impact the project timeline. Highlighting the importance of the project, he stated that the 38 kilometre Rawalpindi Ring Road will play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He added that approximately 85 percent of the work has already been completed. Officials informed the meeting that construction on major components is nearing completion. The Railway Bridge and Maira Mohra Interchange are 99 percent complete, while the Nala Bridge has reached 97 percent completion. Upon completion, the Ring Road is expected to significantly enhance traffic flow, improve connectivity between the twin cities, and contribute to broader urban development in the region.