Punjab Province

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.

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.