The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has once again become the centre of controversy, with a fresh legal dispute over a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) casting uncertainty over its planned inauguration on August 14.
Although construction of the main route has been completed, the latest dispute surrounding the approval of a proposed service area has delayed final preparations for the long-awaited mega infrastructure project.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road has experienced multiple delays since work was first halted during former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure following allegations regarding changes to the project’s design and route alignment.
Since then, the Punjab government has repeatedly revised completion deadlines. Earlier targets of December 30, 2025, March 30, May 30, June 15, and June 18–22 were all missed before August 14 was announced as the latest expected inauguration date.
The primary route stretching from Banth Interchange to the motorway has now been completed, excluding the Thalian Interchange. Construction work on eight toll plazas and 16 toll booths is also continuing.
However, the project’s launch now depends on the outcome of a legal battle over the NOC for a 102-kanal, 14-marla service area planned on both sides of the Ring Road.
A division bench of the Lahore High Court has suspended an earlier order that upheld the NOC and has scheduled the next hearing for July 16, leaving the project’s inauguration uncertain until the court reaches a decision.
Following the latest controversy, the Punjab government transferred several senior administrative officials, including former Commissioner Engineer Abdul Aamer Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Waqar Hassan Cheema, and former Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Director General Kunza Murtaza, to the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD).
Newly appointed Commissioner Salman Ghani, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, and Abad Department Director General Rao Atif Raza have taken charge to supervise the remaining work while authorities await the court’s verdict.
