Punjab Province

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has reviewed the proposed land use and zoning plan along the Rawalpindi Ring Road corridor, with a focus on coordinated urban development, land acquisition priorities and sector wise planning for future growth.
A high-level meeting in this regard was held at the RDA office on Wednesday under the directions of Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Amir Khattak and Director General RDA. The meeting was chaired by Additional Director General RDA Masood Ahmad Bukhari.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Planner of RDA, representatives of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Deputy Director Local Government, the CEO Health Rawalpindi and other relevant officials.
According to an RDA press release, the participants were briefed through a detailed presentation on the decisions taken during the previous meeting held on May 15, 2026. The presentation covered priority areas identified for land acquisition in different blocks along the Rawalpindi Ring Road corridor and highlighted the role of various departments in the effective implementation of the proposed land use plan.
The meeting also reviewed zoning proposals for the corridor. Representatives of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized the need for properly planned commercial and industrial zones along the Ring Road route to support business activity, investment and employment opportunities.
Officials informed the participants that adequate commercial and industrial areas had already been included in the proposed plan. They said the initiative is aimed at supporting economic growth, ensuring sustainable development and improving regional connectivity through planned land use.
Representatives of the health and local government departments appreciated the planning exercise and acknowledged the efforts of RDA in preparing a comprehensive framework for the development of areas along the Ring Road corridor. They also assured their cooperation for the successful implementation of the proposed plan.
The meeting was further informed that the proposed land use and zoning plan would be shared with the relevant tehsil councils for feedback and recommendations.
Officials said this consultative process would help ensure that local bodies are taken on board before finalizing the framework.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, while participants reiterated their commitment to inter-departmental coordination, planned development and sustainable growth along the Rawalpindi Ring Road corridor.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has set June 30 as the deadline for the completion of all priority development schemes, while directing relevant officials to speed up work on ongoing infrastructure projects and ensure the immediate restoration of roads affected by pipeline-laying activities.
WASA Managing Director Saqib Raza issued these directions while chairing a review meeting on development projects. The meeting reviewed progress on various schemes in detail, with particular focus on three major projects being executed under the Chief Minister’s Package. The MD WASA made it clear that all priority works must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Saqib Raza directed contractors to accelerate construction activities and instructed consultant agencies to ensure strict monitoring of the projects. He said transparency, quality and timely completion must remain the top priorities during the implementation of development schemes.
The MD WASA also directed that priority schemes being carried out under the Punjab Development Programme should be completed by the end of June. He stressed that public inconvenience must be minimized in areas where infrastructure work is under way, especially in localities where roads have been damaged due to pipeline installation.
According to the instructions, road restoration work should begin immediately in areas where pipeline installation has been completed. Officials were also asked to conduct a comprehensive survey of streets and roads affected by development works so that rehabilitation can begin without unnecessary delay.
On the occasion, Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir highlighted the importance of early completion of sewerage upgradation projects. He said these projects are crucial for improving the urban drainage system and providing relief to citizens ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
Officials reiterated their commitment to the timely completion of development schemes, improvement of sewerage and drainage infrastructure, and rehabilitation of affected roads. The timely completion of these projects is expected to improve civic facilities, reduce drainage-related issues and ease public difficulties.

Muzaffargarh | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab provincial cabinet has granted final approval to the estimated cost of the first phase of the Muzaffargarh /Khan Garh dual carriageway project, clearing the way for the launch of one of the most awaited infrastructure schemes in the region.
The project relates to the Muzaffargarh-Tranda Muhammad Panah Road, commonly known among locals as the “Killer Road” because of its long history of fatal traffic accidents. After the cabinet’s approval, the case has now been forwarded to the competent authority for the issuance of tenders.
According to officials, the project will be carried out through three separate tenders. The first tender will cover the shifting of utility infrastructure along a 22-kilometre section from Muzaffargarh to Saleem Chowk in Khan Garh. This includes installations belonging to WAPDA, Sui Gas, the Forest Department and other departments located along the route.
The second tender will deal with land acquisition on both sides of the road from Fareed Colony, Muzaffargarh, to Saleem Chowk, Khan Garh. However, Pir Jahaniyan Chowk, Daya Wali Maari Chowk and Munda Chowk have been excluded from this phase of land acquisition.
Officials said the total width of the proposed dual carriageway has been fixed at 110 feet. The planned road will include the main carriageway, service roads and green belts, making it a major road infrastructure upgrade for the area.
The third tender will be issued for the construction of the road section from Fareed Colony to Shamsabad Bridge in Khan Garh. The entire project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The road has remained a serious concern for residents and commuters for several years due to its narrow structure, poor condition and heavy traffic load. Numerous accidents have been reported on the route, increasing public demand for its widening and reconstruction.
Local residents have welcomed the final approval of the project and expressed hope that work will begin without further delay. They said the dualisation of the road would help reduce accidents, improve traffic flow and provide safer and smoother connectivity between Muzaffargarh, Khan Garh and nearby areas.
The project is also expected to support local trade and daily commuting by improving transport links across the district. Once completed, the upgraded road is likely to provide long-term relief to thousands of commuters who use the route on a regular basis.