Rawalpindi Division

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging a housing project in Murree, ruling that the plea was not maintainable under Article 199 of the Constitution.
Justice Jawad Hassan announced the reserved verdict on a petition filed by Syed Nauman Shah, who had sought to halt the project on environmental grounds, alleging violations of ecological safeguards, non compliance with Supreme Court directives, and illegal use of forest and communal land.
The petitioner argued that the housing scheme 'Commoners Sky Garden', located in Mauza Mangal and Kathar, was being developed without mandatory environmental approvals and in violation of earlier Supreme Court restrictions. He also raised concerns over deforestation and encroachment that he said could damage the fragile ecosystem of the Murree region.
In response, the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and other respondents maintained that all necessary approvals and no objection certificates had been obtained from relevant bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). They further informed the court that the matter was already under consideration before a special implementation bench of the Supreme Court.
In its detailed judgment, the court observed that the petitioner had not approached the relevant forums at the appropriate stage and could not invoke constitutional jurisdiction at a belated stage involving disputed facts. It also noted that a large number of allottees had already acquired vested rights and that the project had reached an advanced stage after significant investment, making judicial interference potentially disruptive.
The court further held that enforcement of Supreme Court judgments falls within the jurisdiction of the apex court itself, particularly where a dedicated implementation bench is already seized of the matter. Allowing parallel proceedings before the High Court, it added, would lead to unnecessary litigation and undermine the constitutional framework.
The petition was also found to contain vague and multiple prayers, which the court ruled are not permissible under Article 199(1 A), introduced through the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Dismissing the petition, the court allowed the petitioner to pursue remedies before the appropriate legal forum.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Authorities have decided to construct water storage tanks along the Rawalpindi Ring Road to support operational requirements and facilitate public use, including services for the Parks and Horticulture Authority.
The directive was issued by Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Engineer Amir Khattak, during a high-level meeting to review progress on the long-awaited infrastructure project. He also disclosed that a proposal is under consideration to establish a dedicated policing system for the Ring Road, including a separate traffic police force to ensure smooth traffic flow once the road becomes functional.
Addressing ongoing challenges, the commissioner pointed out that disruptions in the supply of construction materials and rising water levels have contributed to delays. He emphasized the need for stronger coordination among relevant departments to overcome these hurdles and prevent further setbacks.
The meeting also reviewed pending payments related to land acquisition. Khattak directed officials to send letters to concerned deputy commissioners for the immediate clearance of dues, warning that delays in payments could impact the project timeline.
Highlighting the importance of the project, he stated that the 38 kilometre Rawalpindi Ring Road will play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He added that approximately 85 percent of the work has already been completed.
Officials informed the meeting that construction on major components is nearing completion. The Railway Bridge and Maira Mohra Interchange are 99 percent complete, while the Nala Bridge has reached 97 percent completion.
Upon completion, the Ring Road is expected to significantly enhance traffic flow, improve connectivity between the twin cities, and contribute to broader urban development in the region.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has opened the floor to public input on proposed names for key infrastructure projects, including the District Courts Chowk and the adjacent Jinnah Park flyover and underpasses, prompting active participation and debate among residents.
The chief officer of the corporation has formally suggested naming the Kutchery Chowk flyover and underpass as the “Marka e Haq Flyover and Underpass.” However, the proposal has not gone unchallenged. Citizens have begun submitting alternative names, reflecting diverse public sentiment.
Among them, a local resident, Raja Najeeb, opposed the proposed title and instead recommended “Mohsin e Pakistan Flyover and Underpass,” in tribute to renowned nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan. The suggestion has added momentum to the ongoing discussion around commemorating national figures through public infrastructure.
In a separate development, authorities have proposed naming the underpass at Ammar Chowk as the “Fazaia Underpass,” though this proposal is also subject to public review and feedback.
Meanwhile, the Kutchery Chowk remodeling project has witnessed a significant increase in cost, rising from Rs. 14 billion to Rs. 19 billion. Officials have also extended the project’s completion deadline from April 30 to the end of May, citing adjustments in scope and ongoing construction requirements.
The RMC has encouraged citizens to continue submitting their suggestions and objections, emphasizing transparency and public participation in shaping the city’s urban landscape.