Punjab Province

Multan: [ReNews Pakistan]
The federal government has formally approved the long awaited dualization of the Multan/Lodhran Road, with construction work scheduled to commence next month in a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transportation and economic connectivity in South Punjab.
The approval was granted by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan following a request by Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. The project, spanning approximately 62 kilometres, carries an estimated cost of Rs 4.6 billion and will be financed through the Road Maintenance Account (RMA).
According to official plans, the dual carriageway is expected to be completed within one year. As part of the project, approximately 44.8 kilometres of the existing road will be elevated to ensure both carriageways maintain a uniform level, enhancing driving conditions, reducing accident risks, and improving traffic flow.
The Multan/Lodhran Road has long remained in poor condition, creating significant challenges for commuters, transport operators, businesses, and residents who rely on the route for daily travel and commercial activities. The deteriorated road surface and heavy traffic congestion have resulted in longer travel times, increased vehicle operating costs, and safety concerns.
Officials believe the dualization project will transform the corridor into a modern and efficient transport route, facilitating smoother movement of passengers and freight while supporting regional economic growth. The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to strengthen connectivity between Multan, Lodhran, and surrounding districts, benefiting trade, agriculture, and logistics.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani welcomed the approval, stating that the project fulfills an important commitment made to the people of the region. He expressed confidence that the upgraded highway would provide long-term transportation benefits and significantly improve the quality of life for local communities.
Government departments have already released the required funds, enabling contractors to mobilize machinery and begin construction activities within the coming weeks. Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety, and provide a more reliable transport network for one of South Punjab’s key road corridors.

Lahore : [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has directed plot owners in LDA City to clear their outstanding installments and other dues according to their respective balloting phases by June 30, 2026. Failure to do so will result in surcharge and further action under the relevant rules and regulations.
According to a public awareness campaign issued by the LDA, allottees from the first and second balloting phases, whose installment period ended on June 30, 2022, they were instructed to pay all outstanding dues by June 30, 2026.
Similarly, allottees from the third and fourth balloting phases, whose payment deadline was December 31, 2024, have also been given until June 30, 2026 to clear their dues without any additional surcharge.
The LDA has clarified that allottees from the first, second, third and fourth balloting phases who fail to pay their dues by the deadline will be charged a surcharge along with the principal amount from July 1, 2026, in accordance with the applicable rules.
According to the authority, eligible allottees who deposit their outstanding charges under the extension policy may have their allotments restored in line with the prescribed terms and conditions. The step is aimed at providing relief to citizens while ensuring financial discipline in the project.
To facilitate plot owners, the LDA has also kept its online payment system active. Citizens can obtain challan forms through the LDA’s official website, www.lda.gop.pk, or the LDA mobile application. Payments can also be deposited at branches of Allied Bank, MCB Bank and Bank of Punjab across the country.
The authority has advised citizens to carefully verify all information printed on the challan form, as any incorrect entry must be confirmed through the relevant directorate.
LDA officials said timely payment of dues would not only help plot owners avoid an additional financial burden but also support the pace of development activities in the project. They urged all allottees not to wait until the last date and to clear their dues as soon as possible to avoid extra charges or administrative complications.

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.