Punjab Province

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has completed the preliminary feasibility study for the proposed Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase II, which will connect Thalian Interchange with Hakla Interchange as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route development.
According to official sources, NESPAK has prepared three alignment options for the project and will submit them, along with its technical recommendations, to the Punjab Cabinet for final approval.
The feasibility study identifies the expansion of the existing M-2 Motorway as the most practical, economical and technically feasible solution. Under this proposal, the current three lanes on each side of the motorway would be widened to five lanes in each direction along a 15.3 kilometre stretch. The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs9 billion.
The second option proposes constructing a new 19.5 kilometre highway on the eastern side of the motorway at an estimated cost of Rs18 billion. The third option envisages a 26.5 kilometre western corridor, with an estimated cost of Rs24 billion, making it the longest and most expensive alternative under consideration.
According to the feasibility report, widening the existing motorway could reduce overall construction costs by 50 to 60 percent compared with the two new corridor options. The study highlights that the availability of existing infrastructure, significantly lower land acquisition requirements and a shorter construction timeline make the motorway expansion the preferred option.
The report also outlines several engineering and operational challenges, including traffic management during construction, right-of-way constraints and interchange improvements. However, NESPAK concludes that these challenges are manageable and are outweighed by the financial and operational advantages of upgrading the existing motorway.
In contrast, the western alignment has been assessed as the least feasible option because it would require extensive land acquisition and substantially higher investment, while offering limited additional benefits compared with the recommended motorway expansion.
The Punjab Cabinet is expected to review the three proposals before taking a final decision on the project's alignment and implementation strategy.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has made it mandatory to establish green buffer zones around all industrial areas across the province as part of a major initiative to control industrial pollution and provide citizens with a cleaner environment.
According to directives issued by Punjab Environmental Protection Department Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, plantation-based buffer zones will be developed around all industrial estates and industrial zones to reduce the impact of smoke, dust and hazardous gases emitted by factories.
A modern Geographic Information System, or GIS, will also be introduced under the initiative. GIS is an advanced technology used to collect, store, analyse and present geographic and spatial data in the form of maps. By linking detailed information with specific physical locations, the system enables authorities to identify and analyse patterns, relationships and trends more effectively.
The measure has been introduced under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, with the objective of reducing industrial pollution, protecting the environment and addressing risks to public health.
The Environmental Protection Department said industrial pollution had become a serious challenge for both public health and the environment. It warned that strict legal action would be taken against organisations found violating environmental laws.
Under the directives, institutions that fail to carry out plantation in industrial areas will be held accountable. The cutting of trees without prior approval will be completely prohibited, while action will also be taken against individuals or entities encroaching upon or damaging green belts.
The department has instructed the relevant authorities to ensure strict implementation of the directives through effective field monitoring.
The GIS Department has also been assigned responsibility for mapping and monitoring industrial areas to support the planning and effective management of green buffer zones.
Officials said the initiative would help establish a better balance between industrial development, environmental protection and public health.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Punjab government has taken a major step towards establishing the Maryam Nawaz Sports City in Lahore by approving a feasibility study for the project. The initiative aims to provide international standard sports facilities in the province and develop a modern sports complex of global standing.
According to the proposed plan, the sports city will be developed over approximately 300 acres in Lahore. The feasibility study will assess the estimated cost, financial sustainability, environmental impact, technical requirements and other key aspects of the project to support an effective and well informed decision regarding its implementation.
A detailed survey of the proposed site will also be conducted. The assessment will examine land availability, accessibility, geographical conditions, possible traffic impact, geotechnical investigations, utility systems, environmental concerns and social implications.
Under the proposed master plan, the sports city will include a multipurpose outdoor stadium, a multisport indoor complex, an Olympic standard swimming arena, a velodrome, a squash arena, lawn tennis courts, padel tennis courts and futsal facilities.
The project will also feature an archery complex, multipurpose sports grounds, a sports institute, hostels for athletes, administrative offices, commercial areas, restaurants, extensive parking facilities, a modern road network, landscaping, utility infrastructure and other public amenities.