Punjab Province

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
IG Railways Police Muhammad Wasi Fakhre Sultan has directed strict monitoring of railway land retrieved during a recent anti encroachment operation in Rawalpindi, making it clear that encroachments must not be allowed to re-emerge under any circumstances.
The IG Railways Police, accompanied by SRP Rawalpindi and DSP RP-A, conducted a detailed visit on May 15, 2026, to railway land and related sites on Shah Bukhari Road, Rawalpindi. The land had recently been recovered from encroachers during an anti encroachment campaign.
During the visit, Muhammad Wasi Fakhre Sultan instructed the concerned officers to ensure continuous surveillance of the retrieved sites. He said the protection of railway land and other assets is among the key responsibilities of the Railways Police, adding that these valuable assets can be used effectively to increase Pakistan Railways’ revenue.
The IG Railways Police further directed officers to maintain close coordination with railway authorities so the retrieved land could be put to productive and beneficial use. He said better planning, protection and effective utilization of assets are essential for enabling the national institution to gain maximum financial benefit from its properties.
Later, the IG Railways Police also visited the under-construction SRP Office and related buildings at PRP Rawalpindi. He directed officials to complete the remaining construction work at the earliest in accordance with the revised PC-I. He also emphasized making the auditorium and admin block functional immediately in coordination with railway authorities.
During his inspection of the construction site, the IG Railways Police reviewed cleanliness arrangements and ordered the immediate removal of debris, bushes and wild growth.
Muhammad Wasi Fakhre Sultan also visited Hassan Railways Police Lines Rawalpindi, where he inspected residential and office facilities. He issued instructions regarding necessary development works and stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness, discipline and a better working environment at the police lines.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Construction work has officially begun on three new underpasses along Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi, marking another major phase in the city’s ongoing infrastructure development drive. The project, estimated to cost Rs. 8.359 billion, has been launched following the completion of the Kachehry Chowk infrastructure project.
According to officials, the new underpasses will be constructed at three key traffic points: Qasim Market Chowk, Qabristan Chowk and Charing Cross Chowk. These locations are considered among the busiest intersections on Peshawar Road, where traffic congestion has long remained a serious challenge for commuters.
Sources said the Qasim Market underpass will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 3.091 billion, making it the most expensive component of the project. The Qabristan Chowk underpass is expected to cost around Rs 2.679 billion, while the Charing Cross Chowk underpass has been estimated at Rs 2.588 billion.
Authorities stated that more than 80 percent of the utility relocation work has already been completed before the start of major construction activity. This includes the shifting of essential service lines to clear the way for uninterrupted development work. Temporary alternative routes are also being developed to facilitate traffic movement during the construction period.
Officials said the three underpasses are expected to be completed within approximately three months. Once finished, the project is likely to reduce traffic pressure on Peshawar Road, improve travel time for daily commuters and strengthen Rawalpindi’s urban transport infrastructure.
The development is part of broader efforts to modernize the city’s road network and address increasing traffic volumes in major commercial and residential areas.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that every city in Punjab will be transformed into the model of Lahore under the development vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
In a statement, Azma Bokhari shared a video on social media platform X showing the renovated look of Lahore’s historic Ichhra Bazaar. She praised the new appearance of the market and said the transformation reflected the practical performance of the Punjab government.
She said the people of Punjab take pride in their Chief Minister because her work is visible on the ground. According to Azma Bokhari, Maryam Nawaz has introduced visible changes across the province in a short period, particularly in urban beautification, public facilities and commercial areas.
Expressing appreciation for the renovated Ichhra Bazaar, the minister said the new look of the historic market was highly impressive and attractive. She added that the improvements made in the bazaar would not only enhance its traditional beauty but also provide better facilities to shoppers, traders and visitors.
Azma Bokhari said that development and beautification projects were not limited to Lahore. She stated that similar work was moving forward rapidly in different cities of Punjab under the special instructions of the Chief Minister.
She mentioned Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar, Faisalabad’s Ghanta Ghar Bazaar and Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar as key examples of historic commercial centres being upgraded. According to her, these markets are being given a modern and organized look while maintaining their historical identity.
The minister said the government’s aim is to provide citizens with cleaner, better managed and well-facilitated public spaces. She added that these projects are designed to bring urban markets closer to international standards in terms of appearance, accessibility and public convenience.
Azma Bokhari further said that the restoration and beautification of major bazaars would also help increase business activity. Improved infrastructure, better surroundings and modern facilities are expected to attract more visitors and support local traders.
She reaffirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision is to make every city of Punjab beautiful, modern and fully equipped with public facilities, just like Lahore.