Punjab Province

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.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has set October 15, 2026, as the final deadline for completion of the Chief Minister Punjab’s Local Roads Program, directing field formations of the Communications and Works (C&W) Department to accelerate work and complete all remaining road schemes within the prescribed timelines.
Punjab C&W Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth issued the directives while chairing a high level meeting to review progress on the provincial road development programme. C&W Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar, Special Secretary, Additional Secretaries and Chief Engineers attended the meeting, while Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers participated through video link.
Officials briefed the minister on the implementation status of ongoing schemes and reported that the Highways Department remains on track to complete the Sohne Pind Sohniyan Rahwan Program during October.
The minister directed field teams to meet interim completion targets of September 30 and October 5 for additional road projects, before achieving the overall October 15 deadline for the Local Roads Program.
Bharth ordered officials to ensure that lane markings, finishing works and other essential road components are completed alongside construction, rather than being left pending after the main civil works. He also directed all Chief Engineers to personally visit project sites and inspect both completed and ongoing schemes.
The minister further tasked the Road Asset Management team with initiating systematic quality checks and ordered a comprehensive assessment of approximately 1,000 kilometres of roads being developed or improved under the programme.
The inspection drive is intended to assess the quality and condition of completed roads and identify deficiencies requiring corrective measures, according to the directions issued during the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also announced Phase II of the Local Roads Program, signalling an expansion of the provincial road development initiative beyond the projects currently under execution.
Bharth said the provincial government was working to establish a wider road network across Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, adding that improved road infrastructure was intended to strengthen connectivity and facilitate citizens across the province.
With the October 15 deadline approaching, the C&W Department has been directed to maintain close field-level monitoring, accelerate unfinished works and ensure that roads handed over for public use meet the required construction and finishing standards.

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.