Punjab Province

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Ejaz, has reviewed the construction progress and approved the final design of the floating restaurant being developed on Canal Road, directing all concerned departments to ensure the project is completed in accordance with the highest engineering, construction and safety standards.
During a visit to the project site near the Journalists Housing Scheme, the deputy commissioner received a detailed briefing on the pace of construction, technical specifications and the overall development plan. Officials informed him about the current status of work and the measures being taken to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
The deputy commissioner instructed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to approved engineering standards and use high quality construction materials to ensure the structure’s durability, safety and long term sustainability. He emphasised that quality should not be compromised at any stage of the project.
Highlighting the importance of public convenience, Muhammad Ali Ejaz directed the relevant authorities to continue construction activities without disrupting the smooth flow of traffic on Canal Road. He also stressed the need for comprehensive workplace safety measures to protect workers and ensure compliance with all occupational safety regulations.
In addition to the construction work, the deputy commissioner instructed the concerned departments to prepare a detailed landscaping and plantation plan around the project site. He said green development and improved surroundings would enhance the overall appeal of the facility while contributing to the city's environmental objectives.
The DC further called for close coordination among all executing departments to remove operational bottlenecks and ensure the project is completed on schedule.
According to the district administration, the floating restaurant is being developed under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as a unique recreational facility for Lahore. Once completed, the project is expected to become a prominent tourist attraction, provide a new leisure destination for residents and visitors, and contribute to the beautification of the provincial capital while supporting the growth of the local tourism sector.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority has advised that construction excavation across the city should be avoided until August 15 due to the risk of accidents and land subsidence during the monsoon season.
The warning is particularly important for houses and commercial buildings under construction, basement projects and sites where deep excavation is being carried out for foundations.
According to the LDA, continuous or heavy rainfall can soften the soil around construction sites. This may cause the ground to sink, excavation walls to collapse and nearby buildings or properties to suffer damage.
Residents, builders, contractors and construction companies have been advised not to begin new excavation work until August 15. They have also been directed to ensure proper safety measures at sites where the ground has already been excavated.
Rainwater collecting in basements, foundation pits and other excavated areas can weaken the soil and increase risks for workers, residents and pedestrians. Construction site owners have therefore been advised to install safety barriers and arrange the immediate drainage of accumulated water.
Owners and contractors should regularly inspect the soil, foundations and walls around open excavation sites. Work should be stopped immediately if cracks, ground movement or leaning walls are observed, and the site should be examined by qualified experts.
The LDA said the precautionary instructions are intended to protect human lives, nearby homes and other properties from possible damage during the monsoon season. Citizens have also been encouraged to report unsafe construction activity to the relevant authorities.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has launched formal proceedings to review and potentially revoke the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued for proposed service areas along the Rawalpindi Ring Road after concerns surfaced that the approvals were granted without prior authorization from the provincial government.
According to official sources, the disputed NOCs were allegedly issued by former officials of the Rawalpindi district administration in an effort to alter the design of the multibillion-rupee infrastructure project without securing mandatory government approval. The provincial government has directed authorities to compile the complete record related to the approvals for a comprehensive legal, administrative, and financial review.
As part of the inquiry, officials are examining all relevant documentation, including meeting minutes, departmental correspondence, and the legal framework under which the approvals were issued. The investigation will determine whether established procedures, regulatory requirements, and administrative protocols were fully observed before the NOCs were granted.
Authorities are also assessing the potential financial implications of the disputed approvals, including any additional costs or design changes that could affect the project's overall budget and implementation schedule. If procedural irregularities or violations are confirmed, disciplinary action may be taken against those found responsible.
The review comes at a time when the Rawalpindi Ring Road project continues to experience delays due to a combination of technical and administrative challenges. Construction remains incomplete at several locations, while fencing, utility relocation, and other engineering works are still underway, preventing the project's planned inauguration.
Several government agencies, including the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Irrigation Department, and the district administration, are coordinating efforts to address the remaining obstacles and accelerate project completion.
Following the completion of the review, the Punjab government will decide whether the disputed service area NOCs should remain valid or be cancelled. Officials involved in the project maintain that all outstanding issues will be resolved in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements to ensure transparency, safeguard public resources, and facilitate the timely completion of one of Punjab's most significant transport infrastructure projects.