Punjab Province

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has set August 14, 2026, as the latest target for the inauguration of the long delayed Rawalpindi Ring Road project, marking the sixth completion deadline announced since construction resumed. While authorities remain optimistic about opening the strategic road corridor on Pakistan's Independence Day, a fresh legal dispute over a service area no objection certificate (NOC) has cast uncertainty over the proposed timeline.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road is considered one of Punjab's most significant transport infrastructure projects, designed to ease traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, improve regional connectivity and facilitate smoother movement between the motorway network and surrounding urban areas.
The project has experienced repeated delays over the past several years. During the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, construction was suspended after allegations emerged regarding changes to the project's alignment and design. The controversy resulted in investigations and the removal of several senior government officials, further delaying implementation.
Following the resumption of construction, the government announced a series of revised completion dates. Earlier targets of December 30, 2025, March 30, 2026, May 30, 2026, June 15, 2026, and June 22, 2026 were all missed due to construction and administrative challenges.
Officials have confirmed that the main carriageway extending from Banth Interchange to the motorway link has now been substantially completed. However, supporting infrastructure is still under development, including the construction of eight toll plazas and 16 toll booths, which remain essential before the motorway can become fully operational.
The latest challenge relates to a disputed No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued for the development of a 102 kanal and 14 marla service area on both sides of the Ring Road. The matter has entered legal proceedings after a division bench of the Lahore High Court suspended an earlier order that had validated the NOC.
The court has fixed July 16 as the next hearing date, and its decision could have a significant impact on the project's inauguration schedule. Depending on the outcome of the proceedings, authorities may either proceed with the planned August 14 opening or face another delay in completing one of Punjab's most anticipated road infrastructure projects.
Once operational, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to reduce urban traffic congestion, improve freight movement, support new commercial and residential developments along its corridor and strengthen transport links between Rawalpindi, Islamabad and the national motorway network.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A major step towards modernising Pakistan's judicial infrastructure was taken in Lahore as Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Aalia Neelum laid the foundation stone of the Rs 24 billion Judicial Tower, a landmark project that will bring all subordinate courts in the provincial capital under one roof and significantly improve the delivery of justice.
The Judicial Tower is one of the largest judicial infrastructure projects undertaken in Pakistan and is designed to address longstanding challenges associated with the scattered locations of subordinate courts across Lahore. By centralising judicial services, the project aims to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce delays in court proceedings, and provide greater convenience for litigants, lawyers and court staff.
According to official details, the Judicial Tower will be completed within 30 months at an estimated cost of Rs 24 billion. The state-of-the-art facility will include 184 courtrooms, dedicated bar rooms, record management facilities, administrative offices and a modern multi-level parking plaza capable of accommodating the growing number of visitors and legal professionals.
Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum visited the Lahore Bar Association where she inaugurated several important initiatives aimed at improving legal infrastructure, including the solarisation of subordinate courts, the establishment of an e-library and the inauguration of a dedicated female bar room. These projects are expected to improve working conditions for members of the legal community while promoting greater accessibility and sustainability within the judicial system.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar described the Judicial Tower as a historic milestone for Pakistan's justice sector. He said the project reflected Chief Justice Aalia Neelum's commitment to strengthening judicial institutions rather than pursuing personal privileges during her tenure.
The federal minister noted that the Chief Justice had consistently prioritised reforms that directly benefited litigants, lawyers and the overall judicial system. He also acknowledged the support extended by the Punjab government, particularly Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, for facilitating the implementation of the ambitious project.
Pakistan Bar Council member Ahsan Bhoon also hailed the Judicial Tower as a transformative development for Lahore's legal system. He credited both the Chief Justice and the Federal Law Minister for their leadership in turning the long-awaited project into reality, saying it would serve generations of legal practitioners and citizens seeking justice.
The ceremony concluded with Chief Justice Aalia Neelum presenting commemorative shields to session judges, civil judges and members of the legal fraternity in recognition of their contributions to the justice system.
LHC Senior Puisne Judge Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh, along with other judges, senior judicial officers, lawyers and government representatives, also attended the event.
Once completed, the Judicial Tower is expected to become a modern judicial hub that not only improves court operations but also strengthens public confidence in Pakistan's justice system by making judicial services more organised, efficient and accessible.

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) have agreed to enhance institutional coordination and accelerate the processing of housing finance applications under the Prime Minister's Apna Ghar Scheme, aiming to make affordable home ownership more accessible for eligible citizens across the country.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the FDA Complex in Faisalabad. The meeting was chaired by FDA Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry and attended by SBP Chief Manager Fouzia Aslam, senior FDA officials, and representatives from commercial banks participating in the housing finance programme.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the current implementation of the scheme and agreed on a series of measures to improve efficiency. These include streamlining administrative procedures, strengthening inter agency coordination, and appointing dedicated focal persons from both the SBP and the FDA to ensure quicker processing of loan applications and prompt resolution of applicants' concerns.
Speaking at the meeting, SBP Chief Manager Fouzia Aslam said the Prime Minister's affordable housing initiative has received an encouraging response from the public. She revealed that more than 76,000 applications have been submitted nationwide during the past six months. Of these, over 18,000 applications have been approved, while financing has already been disbursed to more than 3,000 successful applicants, reflecting steady progress in the programme's implementation.
Under the Apna Ghar Scheme, eligible applicants can obtain housing finance of up to PKR 10 million at a subsidised annual markup rate of 5% for a repayment period of up to 10 years. The financing is available for the construction of houses on residential plots measuring up to 10 marlas, making home ownership more affordable for middle- and lower-income families.
FDA Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry assured the State Bank and participating financial institutions of the authority's full administrative support.