Punjab Moves to Cancel NOCs for Service Areas on Rawalpindi Ring Road

The Punjab government has begun formal proceedings to revoke the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued for the proposed service areas along the Rawalpindi Ring Road after concerns emerged that the approvals were granted without proper government authorization.

According to official sources, former officials of the Rawalpindi district administration allegedly issued the NOCs in an attempt to modify the design of the multibillion-rupee infrastructure project without obtaining prior approval from the provincial government.

Authorities are now carrying out a detailed review of the legal, administrative, and financial aspects surrounding the approvals. The complete record, including documents related to the disputed NOCs, is being compiled and submitted to the Punjab government for scrutiny.

As part of the review, officials will also examine the minutes of a meeting held before the NOCs were issued to determine whether all legal requirements, rules, and official procedures were properly followed.

Sources said action could be taken against those responsible if the investigation uncovers any procedural violations or administrative irregularities.

The latest development comes as the Rawalpindi Ring Road project continues to face delays due to several technical and administrative hurdles.

The project’s planned inauguration during the second week of July has already been missed, with construction work still incomplete at multiple locations.

Officials said fencing work remains unfinished along various stretches of the road, while the relocation of utility infrastructure and other engineering works are still pending.

Multiple government departments, including the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Irrigation Department, and the district administration, are coordinating efforts to resolve the remaining issues.

The Punjab government will review the complete record of the disputed service area approvals, including observations from relevant departments, applicable rules and regulations, meeting minutes, financial implications, and the potential impact on the project’s overall cost.

Following the review, the provincial government will decide whether the service area NOCs should remain valid or be cancelled altogether.

Officials associated with the project said the government is committed to completing the Rawalpindi Ring Road in a transparent and legally compliant manner to avoid future disputes and ensure the long-delayed project can be opened to the public as soon as possible.