Punjab Province

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has faced another delay despite the completion of its 38.6 kilometre route, as the installation of toll booths, handover procedures and final approvals are still pending.
With the physical construction of the route completed, the project now requires the completion of key administrative and operational procedures before it can be formally opened to traffic. Toll booth installation and the handover process between the relevant authorities are among the remaining tasks, followed by the required final approvals.
Meanwhile, the project cost has increased by around Rs3.5 billion due to inflation and rising construction expenses, adding to the financial pressure surrounding the scheme.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road is considered an important urban infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion and providing an alternative route around the city. The project is expected to improve connectivity between different parts of the Rawalpindi region and reduce pressure on existing urban roads.
Once fully operational, the Ring Road is expected to facilitate smoother traffic movement and support the city’s expanding urban areas. However, the latest delay means commuters will have to wait longer before the completed route becomes fully operational.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab has intensified measures to eliminate the involvement of private individuals in the patwari system, while a crackdown by the Anti-Corruption Establishment has triggered protests by patwaris in several districts, leading to the closure of patwar khanas and causing difficulties for citizens.
In the Rawalpindi Division, the Anti-Corruption Establishment has taken action against private clerks working with patwaris inside patwar khanas and registered cases against several individuals. Officials said no private person is allowed to operate from a patwar khana, deal with citizens, or collect money in exchange for land records, fards or other official documents.
Anti-corruption authorities have made it clear that patwaris must perform their official duties themselves. Following the crackdown, patwaris in Rawalpindi stopped work in protest, affecting land-record services, issuance of fards, property transactions and other related matters.
According to media reports, patwar khanas in Lahore and several other parts of Punjab remained closed for seven consecutive days, forcing citizens to make repeated visits to government offices for routine land-record and property-related services.
It is worth noting that the relocation of patwar khanas to government buildings in Punjab is not a new development. In March 2022, reports said patwar khanas in 36 districts and 145 tehsils of Punjab had been shifted to government buildings.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Director General Lahore Development Authority Taha Farooq visited Bhati Chowk, Inner Circular Road and Lahore Railway Station to review progress on various ongoing development projects.
The LDA DG inspected development work around the outer area of Data Darbar and Bhati Chowk. TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed briefed him on the progress of the projects.
Officials said the pedestrian underpass outside Data Darbar has been completed, while development work on the parking area and toilet block is in its final finishing stages. Landscaping and green-area development around Bhati Chowk is also nearing completion, while a dedicated resting area for workers is expected to be completed soon.
Taha Farooq also reviewed traffic flow at Hazrat Ali Hajveri Underpass and inspected a pilot project for the upgrading and improvement of property facades along the Inner Circular Road.
Later, the LDA DG visited Lahore Railway Station and adjoining areas, where he reviewed work on Ek Moriya and Do Moriya bridges, the railway wall and Circular Road.
The LDA chief engineer briefed him that installation of the dancing fountain at Azadi Chowk is nearing completion. A dedicated resting area has also been established outside the railway station for porters.
According to officials, encroachments underneath the Sheranwala Flyover have been removed and a landscaped seating area has been developed at the site.
The LDA DG directed officials to ensure regular water sprinkling around development sites and stressed maintaining cleanliness and a better environment during the execution of ongoing projects.