Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Punjab government's flagship Rs 47 billion Rawalpindi Ring Road project is expected to open for traffic during the first week of July 2026, marking the completion of one of the province's largest road infrastructure developments.
According to project officials, asphalt paving on the 38.3 kilometer route has been completed, while only final finishing works remain before the project is formally handed over to the provincial government for inauguration.
Deputy Project Director Ashfaq Sulheri told that construction has entered its final phase and the Punjab government will be notified immediately after all remaining works are completed. The provincial authorities will then announce an official inauguration date before opening the expressway to motorists.
The remaining work includes lane markings, drainage systems, roadside fencing, landscaping, installation of traffic signboards, and road lighting. Officials said the installation of lampposts is progressing and is expected to be completed within the next month.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road extends 38.3 kilometers from Baanth on G.T. Road to Thalian, providing a high speed bypass around the city to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and surrounding areas.
The project features five major interchanges located at Baanth, Maira Mohra, Khasala, Kolian Parr, and Thalian, creating direct links with key transportation corridors and facilitating smoother movement of passenger and commercial traffic.
Beyond improving mobility, the Ring Road is expected to stimulate economic activity across the region. The Punjab government has planned an industrial zone along the corridor to attract investment, encourage industrial expansion, and generate employment opportunities. Officials also confirmed that construction of the Thalian Interchange expansion will begin after the main Ring Road project becomes operational.
Once inaugurated, the Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to significantly reduce travel times, ease pressure on existing urban roads, improve freight movement, and support long-term urban and economic development across the Rawalpindi Islamabad metropolitan region.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Rawalpindi's historic Raja Bazaar has undergone a comprehensive transformation into a modern pedestrian friendly commercial district inspired by European walking streets, with the redeveloped marketplace scheduled to be inaugurated next week.
The centuries old commercial center, which has served as one of northern Pakistan's most important trading hubs for generations, has been redesigned to prioritize pedestrians, families and shoppers. Following its official inauguration, motorcycles and all other vehicles will be prohibited from entering the renovated section to create a safer and more accessible shopping environment.
The redevelopment covers the stretch between Fawara Chowk and Dingi Khoi Chowk along Hamilton Road, converting the area into a vibrant pedestrian market featuring wholesale and retail businesses, a dedicated food street and improved public spaces.
The project was completed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 450 million to Rs. 500 million through the combined efforts of multiple government agencies. IESCO invested around Rs. 170 million to shift electricity infrastructure underground, while WASA allocated nearly Rs. 50 million for the relocation of water supply lines. The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation contributed approximately Rs. 240 million towards road reconstruction, streetscape improvements, beautification, drainage systems and pedestrian facilities.
A key feature of the redevelopment is the complete relocation of electricity, gas, telephone and internet cables beneath the ground, replacing overhead utility lines and poles that had long affected the area's appearance and safety. Sewerage and drainage infrastructure has also been modernized through underground installation to improve sanitation and reduce maintenance challenges.
The upgraded marketplace now features decorative street lighting, landscaped flower beds, newly planted trees, public seating areas and separate washroom facilities for men and women. Historic buildings within Raja Bazaar have also been restored, while shopfront signboards have been redesigned with a uniform architectural theme to enhance the visual identity of the commercial district.
For more than 150 years, Raja Bazaar has served as the primary wholesale trading center for Rawalpindi Division, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The market remains well known for offering a wide range of essential goods at competitive wholesale prices, attracting traders and shoppers from across northern Pakistan.
Beyond its commercial importance, Raja Bazaar has historically played a significant political role, serving as the starting point for numerous political movements, rallies and public demonstrations. However, under the new management framework, political gatherings, protests and demonstrations will no longer be permitted within the redeveloped area, allowing the market to function exclusively as a commercial and family oriented public space.
Officials expect the revitalized Raja Bazaar to strengthen local commerce, improve the visitor experience, preserve the area's architectural heritage and further establish Rawalpindi's oldest marketplace as one of Pakistan's leading urban commercial destinations.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and district administrations have reviewed the progress of the Rawalpindi Master Plan and discussed key land management issues affecting urban development across the Rawalpindi Division, with authorities directing relevant departments to expedite implementation and improve inter agency coordination.
The review meeting was chaired by Commissioner Rawalpindi Division and Director General RDA, Engr. Aamer Khattak. It was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Rawalpindi and Attock, Assistant Commissioners from Taxila, Gujar Khan, Kahuta, Hassan Abdal and Fateh Jang, along with senior officials of the Rawalpindi Development Authority.
During the meeting, participants received detailed briefings on land administration, property management and development-related matters in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Murree and other tehsils of the region. Officials presented updates on the status of public and private land holdings, ongoing development activities, future growth prospects and administrative challenges being faced in their respective jurisdictions.
A detailed presentation on the Rawalpindi Master Plan was delivered by the Chief Planner of RDA, who outlined the progress achieved so far, ongoing implementation efforts and key targets that remain to be completed. Following the briefing, Commissioner Aamer Khattak directed all concerned departments to accelerate work on the plan and ensure that development objectives are achieved within the prescribed timelines.
He emphasised that close coordination among district administrations, planning authorities and other government departments is essential for managing rapid urbanisation and ensuring orderly development throughout the region. He noted that effective planning and timely decision-making would help address infrastructure pressures, population growth and changing land-use demands.
The commissioner also highlighted the importance of safeguarding public land and taking effective measures against encroachments, stating that proper land management remains a critical component of sustainable urban development. He urged officials to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and improve enforcement to protect state-owned assets and maintain planned growth patterns.
Officials further underscored the need for a comprehensive and integrated planning framework that aligns land-use policies, infrastructure development and environmental considerations. They noted that the successful implementation of the Rawalpindi Master Plan would contribute to improved public services, environmental protection, economic growth and a better quality of life for residents across the division.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from participating departments to enhance collaboration, address outstanding administrative issues and support the timely execution of development initiatives envisioned under the Rawalpindi Master Plan.