Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan Development work has formally progressed on three underpasses worth Rs8 billion in the cantonment area of Rawalpindi, with land preparation and environmental adjustments completed along the main urban corridor to facilitate construction and infrastructure reorganisation. According to the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), a total of 469 trees and 715 shrubs located along Peshawar Road between Qasim Market and Chairing Cross were carefully relocated to nearby suitable locations. The relocation was carried out to clear land required for structural works while preserving environmental assets within the urban zone. Officials confirmed that the relocated trees have been replanted in green belts and open land parcels where adequate space is available. Additionally, the board has prepared a replantation plan under which more than 400 mature native trees and shrubs will be planted at the original sites after construction is completed. Furthermore, 74 dead trees were removed, and in accordance with environmental guidelines, ten new trees will be planted for each removed tree to maintain ecological balance. The underpass project includes development near Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross. As part of land preparation, underground utility corridors are being established to accommodate essential service infrastructure. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has initiated construction of a dedicated utility corridor to facilitate organised relocation of service networks beneath the surface. Utility relocation activities have also been completed by Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), while other service providers, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), are transferring their infrastructure to designated corridors to enable uninterrupted construction work. Authorities stated that once utility relocation and site preparation are fully completed, full-scale construction will commence, with an estimated completion period of approximately 70 days. The project is expected to improve traffic flow, optimise land use along the corridor, and strengthen accessibility for surrounding commercial and residential zones.

Narowal : ReNews Pakistan Critical decisions have been made regarding the restoration and development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Narowal, following damages caused by Indian water aggression and recent flooding. The measures aim to rapidly repair affected sections and reinforce the corridor’s infrastructure to ensure continued functionality for pilgrims, visitors, and commercial activities. The decisions were taken during the eighth session of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara Governing Council, presided over by Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan. The meeting included a detailed review of flood-impacted sections, covering land rehabilitation, road reconstruction, water drainage, and other critical infrastructure. To expedite restoration work, the council decided to convene a follow-up session within two weeks to monitor progress and ensure quality standards. Senior federal and provincial officials participated in the session, including representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Planning Commission, Frontier Works Organization, and Punjab Home Department, reinforcing a coordinated approach toward development and rehabilitation. The council emphasized the need to fast-track both immediate restoration and long-term strengthening of affected areas, ensuring the corridor remains fully operational and accessible. Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan highlighted that the Kartarpur Corridor is not only of historical and religious significance but also serves as a vital urban and commercial infrastructure asset, linking residential, trade, and tourism zones. He directed that all flood-impacted areas receive priority for repair, facility restoration, and structural enhancement to provide pilgrims with safe and dignified access. The session also included provincial minority affairs officials, emphasizing joint federal and provincial efforts to maintain high-quality amenities for visitors. The restoration and development measures will ensure the corridor’s operational readiness, enhance the functionality and value of surrounding urban and commercial areas, and establish a resilient foundation to mitigate the impact of future natural events.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan Educational activities at the Government Institute for Slow Learners, Rawalpindi, have been suspended after the administration vacated its rented premises due to the expiry of the tenancy period and non-availability of an alternative government building. The institute, which had been operating from a rented facility in Rawalpindi city, was providing education and training to 120 children with intellectual and learning disabilities, supported by 14 teachers and staff members. According to school sources, the property owner has repossessed the building after earlier deadlines for vacating the premises elapsed. The landlord had initially set 31 December 2025 as the deadline to vacate, later extending it to 31 January 2026. With no relocation arranged during this period, the premises were taken back and the school’s equipment and materials were temporarily secured in a few rooms before final clearance. The institute is expected to fully shift out, halting regular classes until a new site is allocated. School management reportedly approached the District Administration and the District Education Authority (DEA) for the provision of a government building to ensure continuity of classes. However, no formal arrangement has yet been finalised. Sources indicate that a government primary school building on Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi, under the District Education Authority, has partially vacant space and is expected to have additional rooms available in the coming days. Despite this, the premises have not been officially assigned to the institute. With the rented facility vacated, students and staff currently remain without a designated campus. Education officials are expected to decide on temporary or permanent relocation to resume academic and rehabilitation services for the enrolled children. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in providing dedicated infrastructure and stable accommodation for specialised public education institutions in the district.