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.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has approved the rehabilitation of nine major roads across the city under a Rs 1.6 billion development package, assigning execution to the Communication and Works Department due to the civic body’s limited capacity to undertake the projects itself.
Under the arrangement, the RMC will provide the required funds, while the Communication and Works Department will execute the rehabilitation works within the corporation’s jurisdiction.
The Divisional Development Working Party (DDWP) has directed the department to commence work at the earliest and complete all nine projects by December 31, 2026.
The rehabilitation package includes Khyaban e Sir Syed Road, Bokra Road, 5th Road, Rawal Road from Ali Nawaz Chowk to Murree Road, Chandani Chowk Commercial Market Road, Railway Workshop Road, China Market-Gordon College Road, Satellite Town 4th B Road and Band Khana Road.
The road schemes range from approximately 0.8 to 2.4 kilometres in length. Individual project costs are estimated between around Rs115 million and Rs248 million, depending on the scope and length of each road.
A senior district administration official said the divisional administration had assigned the projects to the Communication and Works Department to accelerate the rehabilitation of important road links and improve the condition of major routes across Rawalpindi.
The move is expected to support road connectivity and improve traffic movement on several heavily used corridors of the garrison city, particularly routes connecting commercial areas, residential neighbourhoods and major public facilities.
Meanwhile, three additional road projects proposed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and the District Council have also been assigned to the Communication and Works Department.
These schemes include the reconstruction of Chaudhry Bostan Khan Road from Chaklala Scheme-III to the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, Chakri Road, and the road leading towards Falcon Chowk along the Islamabad Expressway.
According to the district administration official, the three additional projects have been submitted to the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) for approval.
Once the schemes receive the required approval, the Communication and Works Department will undertake their execution, while the respective civic bodies will provide the funds.
The road rehabilitation programme forms part of efforts to upgrade Rawalpindi’s urban road infrastructure and address the deteriorating condition of key routes through coordinated implementation by the city’s development and municipal authorities.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Development Authority has sealed several premises at Mid City Apartments on Service Road in Mouza Gangal during an operation against alleged unauthorized commercial activities.
The enforcement operation was carried out with the assistance of Punjab Police personnel from Dhoke Lalyal Police Chowki and Airport Police Station.
During the action, RDA officials sealed a number of offices, restaurants and penthouses that the authority said were being used or developed in violation of approved building and commercial regulations.
According to an RDA official, the action was taken under the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, the RDA Building and Zoning Regulations and other applicable planning laws.
The authority said unauthorized commercial activity, illegal construction and violations of approved development plans would not be permitted within areas under its control.
RDA field teams have also been directed to maintain regular monitoring of residential and commercial developments and take action against violations without discrimination.
Officials said the campaign forms part of the authority’s broader efforts to ensure planned urban development and compliance with approved land use and building regulations across Rawalpindi.
The RDA has advised citizens and prospective property buyers to verify the legal and approval status of housing schemes and construction projects before making an investment.
Residents have also been encouraged to report illegal construction and unauthorized development to the authority so that action can be taken in accordance with the law.