Punjab Province

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has recommended expanding the existing M 2 Motorway instead of constructing a new road alignment for the second phase of the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR), according to a comprehensive feasibility study submitted to the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).
The study, prepared jointly by NESPAK and ACE Private Limited, proposes widening the motorway by adding two additional lanes on each side between the Thalian Interchange and the Srinagar Interchange. The report concludes that this option offers the most practical, economically viable and sustainable solution for accommodating future traffic growth while minimizing construction costs.
According to the feasibility report, expanding the existing motorway infrastructure would substantially increase traffic carrying capacity and improve travel efficiency without the need for a completely new alignment. The proposal is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passenger vehicles as well as heavy commercial and freight traffic, which is projected to increase significantly over the coming years.
The consultants evaluated three alternative alignments for the second phase of the Rawalpindi Ring Road before selecting the motorway expansion as the preferred option. The report notes that utilizing the existing motorway corridor would reduce land acquisition requirements, lower environmental impacts and accelerate project implementation compared to constructing a separate roadway.
The feasibility report has been submitted to the Rawalpindi Development Authority and is expected to be forwarded to the Punjab government for review and approval. Provincial authorities will determine whether the recommended alignment will be incorporated into the next phase of the region's long term transport development strategy.
The proposed Phase II is designed to extend the benefits of the under construction Rs 47 billion Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which currently terminates at the Thalian Interchange. Once implemented, the expansion is expected to provide stronger connectivity between the motorway network and G T Road, improving access for commuters, logistics operators and industrial traffic across Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.
Officials believe the project would play an important role in strengthening regional transport infrastructure, easing congestion on major routes and supporting future urban and economic growth. Improved connectivity is also expected to enhance trade logistics, reduce travel times and increase the efficiency of freight movement between northern and central Pakistan.
If approved by the Punjab government, the motorway expansion will become a key component of the broader Rawalpindi Ring Road development programme, further reinforcing the capital region's transport network and supporting long term infrastructure planning.

Lahore | Renews Pakistan
The Punjab government has enforced a new comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the protection, restoration and management of historic heritage across the province.
The government has implemented the Walled City of Lahore Authority Amendment Act 2026, under which the jurisdiction of the Walled City of Lahore Authority has been expanded beyond Lahore to the entire province of Punjab.
Following the new law, all historic walled cities, heritage areas, ancient buildings and historic properties across Punjab will come under one legal system and a strengthened authority. The move is aimed at protecting heritage sites from illegal construction, encroachments, unregulated repairs, commercial pressure and activities that may damage their original cultural identity.
Under the amended law, the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board has also been established, while the Chief Minister of Punjab will serve as the chairperson of the authority. The authority will be empowered to oversee restoration of historic buildings, planning of heritage areas, monitoring of development works and legal action against violations.
According to the new framework, violations related to historic heritage may result in fines of up to Rs 2 million. All offences under the law have been declared non bailable. Officials say the new legislation will help establish a stronger and more coordinated system for heritage protection in Punjab and preserve the original identity of the province’s historic cities and cultural landmarks.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s flagship housing programme, “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar,” has achieved a major milestone in providing interest free housing loans to low income families. According to the Housing Department, more than 166,000 interest free loans have been disbursed under the programme, while over Rs 215.76 billion in financial assistance has been provided to eligible citizens for house construction.
A spokesperson for the Housing Department said that 105,594 houses have so far been completed under the programme, enabling thousands of families to move into safe and dignified homes. In addition, construction work is currently underway on 28,453 houses, while work on another 32,048 houses is expected to begin soon to help more deserving families realise the dream of owning a home.
The department said that more than Rs 14.5 billion has also been successfully recovered from the loans disbursed under the programme, reflecting transparency, effective implementation and the confidence of beneficiaries in the initiative.
According to official figures, 1,211,954 applications have so far been received for the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme, demonstrating strong public trust and growing popularity of the scheme among low income groups. The Punjab government maintains that the programme will continue to expand access to interest free housing finance and advance public welfare objectives across the province.