Beautification, pedestrianisation, and underground utility works set to transform Rawalpindi’s busiest commercial hub

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has announced the launch of a PKR 470 million beautification and pedestrianization project in Raja Bazaar, set to begin after 12 Rabiul Awal. The development will cover the one-kilometer stretch from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road.

The initiative aims to transform the historic marketplace into a family-friendly, tourist-attractive hub by installing benches, lampposts, public washrooms, greenery, and upgraded signboards, while also restoring old buildings. Multiple departments, including the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), district administration, and RMC, will jointly oversee the project.

A key element of the plan is the underground shifting of utility lines. Iesco will spend PKR 200 million on laying new electricity cables, while SNGPL and PTCL have been allocated PKR 30 million each, and Wasa will receive PKR 5 million for water line relocation. Of the total cost, PKR 250 million will go toward utility works, while PKR 220 million will be dedicated to beautification and public facilities.

The plan also features a new traffic management system, additional parking, and a model market with modern amenities. However, local traders have voiced concerns over restricted access, declining business, and lack of consultation, warning of protests if traffic flow is not restored by August 15.

Interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to help middle-income families build their dream homes

Lahore, Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin has announced that 2,000 middle-income families will be granted free residential plots in the first phase of the provincial government’s Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar program.

Along with the plots, beneficiaries will receive interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to assist in home construction. The announcement was made during a briefing by Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) Director General Sikandar Zeeshan, who revealed that over 367,000 applications have been received for the scheme. The initial screening process is underway, with transparent balloting to follow for plot allotment.

District-wise allocations include Jhelum (730 plots), Kasur (388), Faisalabad (257), Lodhran (218), and Okara (130). Smaller allocations range from 55 plots in Layyah to just 2 in Chiniot, covering 19 districts in total.

Minister Yasin stated that the initiative is designed to make poor and middle-income families landowners, ensuring they have a foundation for secure housing. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair distribution, transparency, and financial support, calling the program a vital step toward reducing the housing gap in Punjab and improving living standards for thousands of families.

In a bid to boost urban greenery and improve public services, the Parks and Horticulture Authority raises fees, enforces plantation rules, and launches new sustainability initiatives.

Lahore: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has approved a major revision to its no-objection certificate (NOC) policy for housing societies, doubling the fee from PKR 50,000 to PKR 100,000 per kanal. The decision was finalized during the PHA’s 27th Board of Directors (BoD) meeting on Friday, chaired by BoD Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt. Under the new guidelines, housing societies must plant at least two trees for every 10-marla plot and four trees for every one-kanal plot, reinforcing the city’s green infrastructure.

The meeting also approved an MoU with the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, enabling PHA to maintain green spaces in hospitals in exchange for discounted medical services for its employees.

In sports development, five grounds will remain under Pakistan Cricket Board management, while proposals for auctioning 16 other PHA-controlled grounds were discussed. Additional decisions included purchasing a hydro seeder mulching machine, implementing a 10% hike in park booking rates, and launching the “Adopt-a-Park” CSR initiative.

The board also sanctioned a 10+10-year lease policy and confirmed that salaries for both regular and contractual employees will be disbursed by the first of each month.

From motorways to reforestation, the ambitious portfolio spans energy, environment, health, education, and connectivity to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

Islamabad: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, on Thursday approved 27 development projects worth over PKR 1.5 trillion in under two hours, marking a major step toward Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic transformation.

The approved portfolio includes key road projects such as the PKR 363 billion Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6), the PKR 415 billion N-25 Karachi–Quetta–Chaman “Balochistan Expressway,” and several provincial road dualization and rehabilitation schemes. Major environmental initiatives were also cleared, including the PKR 122.2 billion Green Pakistan Programme for forest restoration and biodiversity enhancement.

Other significant approvals cover the Naltar Hydropower Project (16 MW), the PKR 49.3 billion Lahore Sewerage System upgrade, the PKR 27 billion Punjab Laptop Programme, flood management projects in Balochistan, and multiple tourism, water security, and higher education programs.

Dar emphasized the government’s resolve for inclusive, sustainable development backed by institutional reforms and long-term stability. Officials noted that the projects will boost connectivity, improve public services, and stimulate economic growth across Pakistan, with Sindh and Balochistan receiving substantial allocations.

The meeting also referred the Sehat Sahulat Card scheme to a review committee for further evaluation.

New Partnership Aims to Turn Gwadar into a Thriving Trade and Industrial Hub Under CPEC Vision

Karachi: In a move set to accelerate economic activity in Pakistan’s southwestern region, the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has signed a letter of intent with China’s Xinning Enterprise to fast-track the development of the Gwadar Free Zone. This collaboration is geared toward attracting industrial and commercial investment and enhancing Gwadar’s role as a strategic trade and transshipment hub.

The letter was received by Umer Zaffar Shaikh, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, on behalf of the GPA, while Yi Jiang signed on behalf of Xinning. Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch also attended the signing ceremony via video link.

The partnership focuses on relocating industries to Gwadar, optimizing infrastructure, and boosting commercial operations within the Free Zone. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry lauded the initiative, stating that Xinning’s involvement will strengthen port functionality and foreign investment.

He assured that all developments will comply with Pakistan’s legal framework and highlighted the strategic importance of Gwadar in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

This agreement underscores Gwadar’s growing relevance in regional trade and signals a significant step in Pakistan’s long-term maritime and economic development strategy.

Punjab Government and Pakistan Railways Join Forces for Eco-Friendly Urban Renewal

Lahore, August 5, 2025: In a landmark move towards sustainable city development, the Punjab Government, in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, has launched the Green Corridor Project, aimed at turning a 40-kilometer railway stretch between Shahdara and Raiwind into a vibrant, eco-friendly urban zone.

The PKR 2.25 billion project will cover 700 kanals of railway-adjacent land and is expected to be completed within a year. Designed to reduce pollution and beautify Lahore’s urban fabric, the corridor will include green belts, public spaces, and repurposed railway carriages transformed into libraries, cafés, and cultural hubs.

The route is divided into four segments for efficient development: Shahdara to Lahore Railway Station, Walton, Walton to Kot Lakhpat, and Raiwind. All segments will be developed simultaneously to meet the ambitious timeline.

The PC-1 has been submitted for final approval, marking a key step forward. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her commitment to sustainable urban initiatives.

“This corridor won’t just enhance Lahore’s landscape — it will set a precedent for green transformation across Pakistan,” Abbasi stated.

The project is poised to become a flagship model for eco-conscious infrastructure nationwide.

Monsoon Safety Campaign Targets Encroachments Threatening Flood Management in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, July 31, 2025:  The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has kicked off a primary monsoon enforcement drive against illegal constructions and encroachments near natural drains and dams across the city, acting on the directives of Director General Kinza Murtaza.

The initiative, launched to enhance public safety during monsoon season, began with targeted operations along Adyala Road, Dhamial Road, Dhamial-Kalyal Link Road, and the surrounding areas. Ten notices were issued to property owners for hazardous and unauthorized developments that obstruct stormwater flow and increase urban flooding risks.

Enforcement teams, led by Assistant Director Shiza Tanweer and Building Surveyor Aamir Mahmood Malik, also conducted inspections at Jawa and Misriot Dams to assess flood vulnerabilities and potential water contamination threats.

DG Kinza Murtaza emphasized zero tolerance for violations, especially for illegal structures along drainage channels, aligning with the strict urban safety mandate of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She highlighted that this campaign is part of RDA’s larger strategy for sustainable urban planning and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Citizens are urged to cooperate and avoid illegal construction near nullahs and dams, safeguarding the city from future environmental risks.

Strategic Facilities to Enhance Travel Experience and Generate PKR 200 Million Annually

Lahore, July 29, 2025: The Lahore Ring Road Authority (LRRA) has announced a major initiative to enhance commuter convenience with the development of six state-of-the-art rest areas along key points of the Ring Road.

Each rest area will feature essential amenities, including petrol stations, food outlets, tuck shops, mosques, and restrooms, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience for thousands of daily users and commercial vehicles navigating the city’s high-speed corridor.

The sites—strategically located at Adda Plot, Halloki, Kamahan, opposite the airport, and Mehmood Booti—will each cover 4.5 to 5 kanal and be leased out through a competitive bidding process to financially sound individuals and firms. The lease agreements have been finalized, and offers will be invited shortly.

Officials project over PKR 200 million in annual revenue from the leasing of these rest stops, aligning with the government’s broader agenda to modernize urban infrastructure and enhance public services.

This initiative not only supports safer and more efficient travel but also introduces a new commercial model to revitalize Lahore’s roadways through sustainable public-private collaboration.

PKR 72 Billion Subsidy Scheme to Empower Low- and Middle-Income Families Across Pakistan

Islamabad, July 29, 2025: In a significant move to expand homeownership opportunities, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved a markup subsidy and risk-sharing scheme aimed at making affordable housing accessible for low- and middle-income families across Pakistan.

Chaired by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the ECC announced a PKR 72 billion subsidy initiative that will enable eligible borrowers to secure fixed-rate home loans of up to PKR 3.5 million, with subsidized interest rates between 5% and 8%. This decision is part of a larger national strategy to stimulate growth in Pakistan’s housing and construction sectors.

The ECC also stressed the need for a centralized housing sector database, instructing relevant ministries to work alongside provincial stakeholders for better coordination, transparency, and long-term planning.

This initiative not only paves the way for more families to own homes but also reflects the government’s strong commitment to inclusive economic development and financial accessibility for underserved communities.

The new scheme is expected to drive demand in the housing market while offering relief to thousands seeking stable and affordable living conditions.

Digital Applications, Women’s Quota, and Green Mobility at the Heart of Punjab’s Bold Transport Reform

Lahore, July 29, 2025 – The Punjab government is set to roll out its interest-free electric taxi (e-taxi) scheme in August 2025, marking a significant step toward sustainable transport and inclusive economic development. Applications will open in the coming weeks via a new digital platform being developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).

Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan announced that 1,100 electric taxis will be distributed in the pilot phase. Of these, 1,000 vehicles are allocated to fleet owners (with a minimum purchase of 10 cars each). At the same time, 100 taxis will be provided to individual drivers, including 30 reserved for women to enhance female participation in the transport sector.

Under the scheme, vehicles will be available on easy, interest-free installments, with the government covering markup, token tax, and registration fees. Additionally, nine EV suppliers have been shortlisted to provide the taxis and establish a network of charging stations, service centers, and spare parts facilities across Punjab.

With the formal launch just weeks away, the initiative aims to tackle climate change, reduce urban congestion, and empower a new generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs across the province.