Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan The Rawalpindi Ring Road has been proposed for development along the lines of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with the objective of transforming the 38 kilometre corridor into a major economic and commercial hub for northern Punjab. A comprehensive land-use plan is being prepared to develop the Ring Road as a new centre for regional trade, industry and investment. A detailed review of the proposed plan was conducted at a meeting chaired by Housing Secretary Noor ul Amin Mengal. Rawalpindi Commissioner Salman Ghani briefed the meeting on the key features of the proposed land-use plan, while the planning consultant presented the proposed zoning framework and requirements arising from future urban and economic development. Under the proposed plan, a Special Economic Zone is to be established along the Rawalpindi Ring Road, while a tax-free zone is also proposed to attract investment and promote industrial activity. According to the Housing Department spokesperson, both light and heavy industrial zones are planned along the Ring Road. An urban forest-based green buffer zone will also be developed between residential and commercial areas to help maintain environmental balance alongside rapid urban expansion. The land-use plan also proposes dedicated land for hospitals and other healthcare facilities along the corridor. Separate zones have been proposed for information technology, education, sports, food-related activities and other economic sectors. The plan also includes bus terminals and other essential urban facilities to cater to the expected growth in population, businesses and industrial activity along the Ring Road. The Housing Department said the integrated land-use plan is intended to promote residential, commercial and agricultural activities in an organised manner. The proposed zoning framework is expected to enhance the economic significance of the Ring Road and create new opportunities for investment. Officials said developing the Rawalpindi Ring Road as an economic gateway to northern Punjab could help expand industrial activity, regional trade and investment in the area. The proposed land use plan will be submitted to the Punjab Cabinet for approval. Subsequent steps regarding the implementation of various zones and development activities will be determined after the plan receives the required approval.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said the government is expanding modern parks and recreational facilities in Rawalpindi to promote healthier lifestyles and provide residents with safer public spaces. He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremonies of Allama Iqbal Park and Milad Park in Rawalpindi. MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, Punjab Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services Ziaullah Shah, MPA Asma Naz Abbasi and a large number of PML-N workers attended the ceremonies. Abbasi said providing safe and accessible recreational facilities, particularly for women and children, was among the government’s priorities. He said surveillance cameras and other security arrangements had been installed at the newly inaugurated parks to improve visitor safety. The minister said parks, sports facilities and opportunities for healthy outdoor activities were important for developing a healthier and more active society. He added that efforts were also being made to ensure the provision of basic civic facilities in every constituency and union council of Rawalpindi. Turning to the city’s infrastructure, Abbasi said work was continuing to address problems related to gas, water, electricity and sewerage. He said old pipelines, some of which were 40 to 50 years old, were being replaced, while several schemes for the construction and rehabilitation of roads and streets were also under way. The minister further said several public welfare and development projects had been completed in Rawalpindi, while work on other schemes was continuing. He said available resources were being utilised to improve transportation, public spaces and essential municipal services across the city. Abbasi also highlighted the importance of continued investment in recreational infrastructure alongside basic civic development, saying the newly established parks would provide residents with improved opportunities for leisure, sports and family activities. He also described Pakistan as a peaceful and secure country and credited the Pakistan Army with maintaining national security. The inauguration of the two parks comes as authorities continue to expand recreational infrastructure in Rawalpindi, with greater emphasis on public access, family-oriented facilities and security arrangements.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has approved the rehabilitation of nine major roads across the city under a Rs 1.6 billion development package, assigning execution to the Communication and Works Department due to the civic body’s limited capacity to undertake the projects itself. Under the arrangement, the RMC will provide the required funds, while the Communication and Works Department will execute the rehabilitation works within the corporation’s jurisdiction. The Divisional Development Working Party (DDWP) has directed the department to commence work at the earliest and complete all nine projects by December 31, 2026. The rehabilitation package includes Khyaban e Sir Syed Road, Bokra Road, 5th Road, Rawal Road from Ali Nawaz Chowk to Murree Road, Chandani Chowk Commercial Market Road, Railway Workshop Road, China Market-Gordon College Road, Satellite Town 4th B Road and Band Khana Road. The road schemes range from approximately 0.8 to 2.4 kilometres in length. Individual project costs are estimated between around Rs115 million and Rs248 million, depending on the scope and length of each road. A senior district administration official said the divisional administration had assigned the projects to the Communication and Works Department to accelerate the rehabilitation of important road links and improve the condition of major routes across Rawalpindi. The move is expected to support road connectivity and improve traffic movement on several heavily used corridors of the garrison city, particularly routes connecting commercial areas, residential neighbourhoods and major public facilities. Meanwhile, three additional road projects proposed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and the District Council have also been assigned to the Communication and Works Department. These schemes include the reconstruction of Chaudhry Bostan Khan Road from Chaklala Scheme-III to the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, Chakri Road, and the road leading towards Falcon Chowk along the Islamabad Expressway. According to the district administration official, the three additional projects have been submitted to the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) for approval. Once the schemes receive the required approval, the Communication and Works Department will undertake their execution, while the respective civic bodies will provide the funds. The road rehabilitation programme forms part of efforts to upgrade Rawalpindi’s urban road infrastructure and address the deteriorating condition of key routes through coordinated implementation by the city’s development and municipal authorities.