Punjab Province

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended an earlier judicial order that allowed commercial development along the service road of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, temporarily halting a proposed project that included a petrol pump and other commercial facilities.
A division bench comprising Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Sardar Akbar passed the interim order while hearing intra court appeals filed by the Punjab government, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), and the Ring Road project administration. The appeals challenge the decision of a single bench that had previously ruled in favor of the petitioner, Mazhar Rahim.
The court admitted the appeals for regular hearing and issued notices to the Commissioner Rawalpindi, the District Petrol Pump Committee, and the petitioner, directing all respondents to submit their replies by July 16.
The legal dispute concerns a commercial development proposal covering 102 kanals and 14 marlas of land located along the Rawalpindi Ring Road. Under the earlier approval granted by the Ring Road administration, the project was planned to include a petrol filling station, a mosque, landscaped green areas, internal service roads, and other supporting infrastructure.
According to court records, the petitioner had obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RDA Commissioner after completing the required approval process. Following the issuance of the NOC, the petitioner reportedly deposited Rs. 178.413 million in official fees to secure the development rights.
However, the Punjab government and the concerned development authorities challenged the single bench's decision, arguing that the approval required further judicial scrutiny due to legal and administrative concerns surrounding commercial construction along the strategically important Ring Road corridor.
By suspending the earlier judgment, the division bench has effectively placed the commercial development on hold until the appeals are decided. The final outcome of the case could have significant implications for future commercial development, land-use planning, and investment policies along the Rawalpindi Ring Road, one of Punjab's largest ongoing infrastructure projects.
The matter will now proceed after the respondents submit their replies, with the next stage of proceedings scheduled following the July 16 deadline.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the district administration of Diamer to implement livelihood development schemes worth PKR 972.571 million in communities surrounding the Diamer Bhasha Dam project. The initiative forms part of the project's broader Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), which are designed to enhance the socio-economic well-being of local residents while strengthening community participation in one of Pakistan's largest hydropower and water storage projects.
The agreement was signed by General Manager and Project Director of the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, Dr. Engr. Nazakat Hussain, and Deputy Commissioner Diamer, Lt. (Retd.) Muhammad Owais Abbasi, in the presence of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Arshad Majeed. WAPDA said the partnership reflects the authority's commitment to ensuring that communities directly affected by the mega project receive sustainable economic and social benefits alongside national infrastructure development.
Under the agreement, the livelihood schemes will be executed through the relevant government departments under the supervision of the Diamer district administration. The implementation process will also involve close consultation with local communities to ensure that projects address their priority needs and contribute to long-term economic opportunities.
To ensure transparency, accountability and quality standards, a joint oversight committee comprising representatives from the district administration, WAPDA and local community members will supervise the implementation of the schemes. The committee will monitor project execution, review progress and ensure that development activities are completed efficiently and in accordance with approved standards.
According to WAPDA, the livelihood programme is part of a much larger socio-economic development initiative under the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, for which PKR 78.5 billion has been allocated. The authority said the investment is intended to improve the quality of life of people living in the project area through investments in infrastructure, education, energy and community development.
WAPDA highlighted that several major development initiatives have already been completed under this programme, including the Thore Hydel Power Station, Thak Hydel Power Station, and Cadet College Chilas. These projects have contributed to expanding electricity access, improving educational facilities and supporting broader regional development.
The Diamer Bhasha Dam remains one of Pakistan's most significant strategic infrastructure projects, expected to substantially increase the country's water storage capacity, strengthen hydropower generation and enhance water security while promoting long-term economic growth and sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Punjab government has launched an urgent repair and reconstruction drive for 135 structurally unsafe government school buildings across Lahore, directing education authorities to complete critical rehabilitation work as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff.
According to the Punjab Education Department, the initiative follows concerns over the deteriorating condition of several government school buildings, many of which have become unsafe due to years of wear and delayed maintenance. Officials said the rehabilitation programme had been postponed last year following changes in government policy, leaving a significant number of repair and reconstruction projects incomplete.
A spokesperson for the department stated that authorities have now prioritized the pending works, with most repair activities scheduled to be completed during the ongoing summer vacations. The timeline has been designed to minimize disruption to academic activities while ensuring that schools are safe and fully functional before students return for the new term.
The decision also comes after multiple incidents of roof collapses and structural failures in aging school buildings raised serious concerns about student safety. To assess the situation comprehensively, the Education Department's Strategic Management Unit carried out a fresh survey to identify buildings requiring immediate intervention. The assessment helped determine the schools most in need of urgent repairs, reconstruction, and structural strengthening.
Officials confirmed that, in addition to restoring unsafe buildings, the government is also undertaking rehabilitation projects and constructing additional classrooms to accommodate growing student enrolment and improve learning facilities across the city.
With the arrival of the monsoon season, construction and repair activities have been accelerated to reduce potential risks associated with heavy rainfall and aging infrastructure. Authorities emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to create a safer educational environment and prevent accidents caused by deteriorating school buildings.
The Education Department reaffirmed its commitment to completing the rehabilitation programme within the planned timeframe, ensuring that government schools provide secure, modern, and conducive learning environments for students throughout Lahore.