Strict Rule Introduced for Road Cutting by Utilities in Rawalpindi

Utility service providers must now obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the divisional commissioner’s office before cutting roads in Rawalpindi and must deposit funds in advance for road restoration.

Divisional Commissioner Amir Khattak issued the directive during a meeting on ongoing and proposed development projects in the city. He said authorities will not allow any road cutting without formal approval from the commissioner’s office.

The commissioner directed that any institution or individual planning to excavate roads must first submit the required challan to ensure immediate repair and reconstruction once work is completed. He warned that authorities will register an FIR in cases of road cutting carried out without an NOC.

The policy will apply uniformly to all organizations, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Wasa, PTCL, and private entities.

While reviewing Wasa’s development projects, Khattak instructed officials to clearly mark all schemes on maps and share them with concerned departments. He said this would help ensure better coordination and prevent overlapping work.

He also emphasized the need for effective interdepartmental coordination, timely completion of development projects, and immediate restoration of roads to minimize inconvenience to the public.