Rawalpindi Ring Road Gets New Opening Date

The Punjab government has set August 14 as the latest target to inaugurate the long delayed Rawalpindi Ring Road project, marking the sixth completion deadline since work on the project resumed. However, the planned inauguration now faces uncertainty due to a fresh controversy over a no objection certificate (NOC) for a service area along the route.

The project was previously suspended during former prime minister Imran Khan’s tenure after changes to its design and route sparked controversy, resulting in the removal of several senior officials. Since then, the government has repeatedly revised its completion schedule, missing earlier targets set for December 30, 2025, March 30, May 30, June 15 and June 22.

Although the main carriageway from Banth Interchange to the motorway link has been completed, work on eight toll plazas and 16 toll booths is still in progress.

The latest controversy concerns an NOC issued for a 102 kanal and 14 marla service area on both sides of the Ring Road. A division bench of the Lahore High Court has suspended an earlier order validating the NOC and fixed July 16 for the next hearing.

The dispute has also triggered another administrative reshuffle, with the Rawalpindi commissioner, deputy commissioner and several other officials being transferred. Newly appointed Commissioner Salman Ghani, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir and Abad Department Director General Rao Atif Raza have since assumed charge.