Punjab Province

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.

Lahore | Riaz Hussain, ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has expressed its commitment to building new international partnerships in the field of urban development, as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif prepares to represent Pakistan at a global forum to highlight the province’s key development initiatives.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will undertake a three-day visit to Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, from May 17 to May 20, where she will represent Pakistan at the international World Urban Forum. The visit is being viewed as an important step in promoting Punjab’s urban development vision and strengthening global partnerships.
During the visit, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to hold an important meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on May 17. Matters of mutual interest, urban development, infrastructure, investment opportunities and prospects for further cooperation are expected to come under discussion.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif will attend the forum as a special state guest in Azerbaijan. She will also deliver a significant address at the World Leaders Summit being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium, where she is expected to highlight Punjab’s development vision, urban planning initiatives and public welfare projects.
Punjab government’s flagship project “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” will be specially showcased at the World Urban Forum. The provincial government will present the initiative as a unique model in the affordable housing sector, aimed at providing housing facilities to low- and middle-income groups.
According to government sources, the chief minister’s visit to Azerbaijan is expected to play an important role in bringing global recognition to Punjab’s leading projects, enhancing cooperation in urban development and establishing new links with international partners.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bokhari, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin and Sports Minister Faisal Ayub will accompany the chief minister during the visit.
In addition, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Special Assistant Ali Dar, the Punjab chief secretary and the chief minister’s staff will also be part of the delegation.