Key Takeaways
- Punjab government sets August 14 for Rawalpindi Ring Road inauguration.
- Fresh controversy over no objection certificate (NOC) stalls project progress.
- Administrative reshuffle follows court order suspending earlier NOC validation.
The Punjab government has announced a new target date of August 14 for the inauguration of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, marking the latest in a series of delays. The project, which was previously suspended during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure due to design and route controversies, now faces fresh uncertainty over a no objection certificate (NOC) for a service area along its route.
According to official statements, the main carriageway from Banth Interchange to the motorway link has been completed. However, work on eight toll plazas and 16 toll booths remains unfinished. The latest setback arises from an NOC issued for a 102 kanal and 14 marla service area on both sides of the Ring Road. A division bench of the Lahore High Court has suspended an earlier order validating this NOC, setting July 16 as the date for the next hearing.
The controversy over the NOC has led to another administrative reshuffle in Rawalpindi. The newly appointed Commissioner Salman Ghani, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, and Abad Department Director General Rao Atif Raza have taken charge of their respective positions following the transfer of several officials. This move aims to address the ongoing issues and ensure smooth progress.
The project has a history of repeated delays, with earlier targets set for December 30, 2025; March 30; May 30; June 15; and June 22. Despite these setbacks, the government remains committed to completing the project as per the new deadline. However, the current NOC controversy casts a shadow over this latest target date.
Sources from the Punjab government stated that while the main construction work is nearing completion, the administrative hurdles related to the service area continue to pose challenges. The court’s decision to suspend the earlier order adds another layer of complexity to the project timeline.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the city. However, the repeated delays have raised concerns among local residents and businesses who are eager for its completion. The administrative reshuffle and court proceedings underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the government in delivering this much-awaited infrastructure project.
In a statement, Commissioner Salman Ghani expressed his commitment to resolving the NOC issue swiftly and ensuring that the project is completed on time. He stated: 'We are working diligently to address all legal and administrative issues to ensure the smooth inauguration of the Rawalpindi Ring Road by August 14.'
'We are working diligently to address all legal and administrative issues to ensure the smooth inauguration of the Rawalpindi Ring Road by August 14.'
Commissioner Salman Ghani, Rawalpindi Commissioner
