Punjab Province

Kasur: Sadaf Arshad, District Reporter | ReNews Pakistan
Government Boys Elementary School Bagri in Kasur has launched a model initiative aimed at improving environmental protection and raising educational standards across government schools in the district.
The initiative was formally introduced by Headmaster Muhammad Azam Ali, in collaboration with Assistant Education Officer Ziauddin and the school staff. It focuses on creating a cleaner, greener, and safer learning environment while promoting environmental awareness and social responsibility among students.
According to the headmaster, students will actively participate in practical environmental activities, including tree plantation, cleanliness drives, and recycling projects, enabling them to play a positive role within their communities.
Assistant Education Officer Ziauddin described the program as a pilot model for other government schools in Kasur. He confirmed that similar initiatives will be introduced across the district to improve both educational quality and environmental stewardship.
The program also includes regular maintenance of school grounds, classrooms, and playgrounds. Officials noted that these measures are expected to support academic development while fostering healthier and more environmentally conscious communities.
District education authorities stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort involving schools and local stakeholders, with plans to expand and sustain these improvements throughout Kasur district.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
Rawalpindi’s urban transport network is undergoing structural upgrades as authorities accelerate work on the Kachehri Chowk flyover and three underpasses, with the scheme scheduled for completion by April 30, marking a key step in easing congestion within the city’s central administrative zone.
Kachehri Chowk serves as a high-density urban node linking court complexes, commercial markets, and multiple arterial roads. Persistent bottlenecks at the intersection have long slowed commuter and public transport movement, prompting the adoption of grade-separated infrastructure to streamline traffic and reduce surface-level conflicts.
The flyover and underpasses are expected to redistribute traffic loads, shorten travel times, and improve accessibility for surrounding commercial and institutional areas, supporting smoother land use integration and urban activity. In parallel, construction of three new underpasses along Peshawar Road will commence in mid-February, with completion targeted for May 30. Peshawar Road functions as one of Rawalpindi’s primary mobility spines, connecting residential neighborhoods with business districts and regional routes.
During the construction phase, authorities will enforce one-way traffic flow to maintain continuity of movement and minimize disruption to daily commuters. Urban development officials describe the projects as part of a broader corridor-based traffic management strategy, aimed at modernizing road infrastructure, reducing congestion pressure, and preparing the city for future population and vehicle growth. Upon completion, the combined works are expected to enhance mobility efficiency, strengthen transport reliability, and contribute to more sustainable urban circulation across Rawalpindi.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has ordered the immediate suspension of the underground parking project at Taxali Gate, expressing serious concern over its environmental impact, public safety risks, and apparent violations of legal requirements.
The order was issued during proceedings presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, who directed that all excavation and construction activities at both Taxali Gate and the similar underground parking project at Sheranwala Gate be halted until further judicial scrutiny.
During the hearing, the court took exception to reports of tree cutting in and around the project sites, observing that such actions appeared to contravene environmental safeguards and earlier court directives. Justice Karim also referred to recent incidents linked to unsafe urban construction, including a case in which a woman and her daughter fell into an uncovered excavation pit. The court noted that these incidents reflected poor planning, inadequate oversight, and insufficient safety arrangements, particularly in historically sensitive and densely populated areas.
In its orders, the court summoned the Director General of the Lahore Development Authority and the Advocate General of Punjab, Amjad Parveez, to appear at the next hearing and explain whether the projects meet statutory, environmental, and safety standards. Contempt notices were also issued to senior officials of Punjab University, including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, for failing to prevent tree cutting despite standing judicial instructions.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority was further directed to take immediate measures to safeguard trees and ensure strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Urban planning specialists caution that large-scale underground construction in historic and congested districts requires comprehensive environmental assessments, heritage preservation safeguards, and rigorous safety protocols. Infrastructure development in such areas, they argue, must strike a careful balance between urban needs, cultural conservation, and public welfare.
The court’s intervention underscores the growing judicial emphasis on sustainable land use, environmental responsibility, and accountable urban governance. The case is scheduled for further hearing on 2 February 2026, when the relevant authorities are expected to submit detailed compliance reports and legal justifications.