Punjab Province

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
Rawalpindi’s urban transport network is undergoing structural upgrades as authorities accelerate work on the Kachehri Chowk flyover and three underpasses, with the scheme scheduled for completion by April 30, marking a key step in easing congestion within the city’s central administrative zone.
Kachehri Chowk serves as a high-density urban node linking court complexes, commercial markets, and multiple arterial roads. Persistent bottlenecks at the intersection have long slowed commuter and public transport movement, prompting the adoption of grade-separated infrastructure to streamline traffic and reduce surface-level conflicts.
The flyover and underpasses are expected to redistribute traffic loads, shorten travel times, and improve accessibility for surrounding commercial and institutional areas, supporting smoother land use integration and urban activity. In parallel, construction of three new underpasses along Peshawar Road will commence in mid-February, with completion targeted for May 30. Peshawar Road functions as one of Rawalpindi’s primary mobility spines, connecting residential neighborhoods with business districts and regional routes.
During the construction phase, authorities will enforce one-way traffic flow to maintain continuity of movement and minimize disruption to daily commuters. Urban development officials describe the projects as part of a broader corridor-based traffic management strategy, aimed at modernizing road infrastructure, reducing congestion pressure, and preparing the city for future population and vehicle growth. Upon completion, the combined works are expected to enhance mobility efficiency, strengthen transport reliability, and contribute to more sustainable urban circulation across Rawalpindi.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has ordered the immediate suspension of the underground parking project at Taxali Gate, expressing serious concern over its environmental impact, public safety risks, and apparent violations of legal requirements.
The order was issued during proceedings presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, who directed that all excavation and construction activities at both Taxali Gate and the similar underground parking project at Sheranwala Gate be halted until further judicial scrutiny.
During the hearing, the court took exception to reports of tree cutting in and around the project sites, observing that such actions appeared to contravene environmental safeguards and earlier court directives. Justice Karim also referred to recent incidents linked to unsafe urban construction, including a case in which a woman and her daughter fell into an uncovered excavation pit. The court noted that these incidents reflected poor planning, inadequate oversight, and insufficient safety arrangements, particularly in historically sensitive and densely populated areas.
In its orders, the court summoned the Director General of the Lahore Development Authority and the Advocate General of Punjab, Amjad Parveez, to appear at the next hearing and explain whether the projects meet statutory, environmental, and safety standards. Contempt notices were also issued to senior officials of Punjab University, including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, for failing to prevent tree cutting despite standing judicial instructions.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority was further directed to take immediate measures to safeguard trees and ensure strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Urban planning specialists caution that large-scale underground construction in historic and congested districts requires comprehensive environmental assessments, heritage preservation safeguards, and rigorous safety protocols. Infrastructure development in such areas, they argue, must strike a careful balance between urban needs, cultural conservation, and public welfare.
The court’s intervention underscores the growing judicial emphasis on sustainable land use, environmental responsibility, and accountable urban governance. The case is scheduled for further hearing on 2 February 2026, when the relevant authorities are expected to submit detailed compliance reports and legal justifications.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to introduce a new long term lease policy for industrial land as part of broader efforts to accelerate industrial activity and restore investor confidence across the province. Official sources said the policy is intended to provide long term security to industrialists while placing new and existing industrial projects on sustainable and predictable foundations.
Under the proposed framework, industrial units will be granted land on lease for a period of 30 years or more. The lease will be linked to performance, meaning its continuation will depend on production activity, investment levels, and the operational performance of the industrial unit. The policy will apply not only to Special Economic Zones but also to all industrial estates throughout Punjab. Officials said a formal announcement is expected before the start of Ramadan.
Alongside the lease policy, the government is also working on administrative reforms and greater use of technology within the industrial sector. Secretary Industries Muhammad Umar Masood said significant changes are being introduced to improve ease of doing business for industrialists. He said a technology based one window system is being developed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, with the aim of simplifying approvals and improving transparency in monitoring and enforcement.
Officials said the reforms are designed to reduce human intervention by limiting unnecessary inspections and repeated administrative interference. At the same time, the government is placing increased emphasis on public private partnership models to support industrial development by making better use of private sector expertise and investment capacity.
Representatives of the industrial sector have also highlighted the pressures currently facing businesses. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the sector is under strain due to high electricity costs, elevated interest rates, and a heavy tax burden. According to the chamber, the proposed lease policy and administrative reforms could help stabilise industrial activity and contribute to rebuilding investor confidence.
Government officials have described the initiative as an important step towards improved use of industrial land, stronger protection of investment, and more coherent long term industrial planning in Punjab. They said effective implementation of the policy could support industrial expansion, create employment opportunities, and generate wider economic activity across the province.