Punjab moves to revoke Ring Road NOCs

The Punjab government has initiated formal proceedings to revoke the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued for the proposed service areas on both sides of the Rawalpindi Ring Road, following concerns that the approvals were granted without the requisite government authorisation.

Sources said former district administration officials in Rawalpindi allegedly issued the NOCs in an attempt to alter the design of the multibillion-rupee project without obtaining prior approval from the provincial government.

Officials are now conducting a comprehensive review of all legal, administrative and financial aspects relating to the issuance of the NOCs. The complete record is being compiled and forwarded to the Punjab government for examination.

Sources further said the minutes of a disputed meeting held before the approvals were granted will also be placed before the provincial authorities. The government will assess whether all statutory requirements, rules and official procedures were followed before the NOCs were issued.

If any procedural irregularities or violations are established during the review, action may be taken against those found responsible, the sources added.

The development comes as the Ring Road project continues to face delays owing to a series of administrative and technical issues. The deadline for the project's inauguration during the second week of July has already passed without the scheme being opened to traffic.

Sources said fencing work along various sections of the route remains incomplete, while the relocation of utility infrastructure and several other engineering works are still pending at multiple locations.

Officials of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Irrigation Department, the district administration and other relevant agencies remain engaged in coordination to resolve the outstanding technical and administrative matters.

However, sources said the controversy surrounding the service area NOCs has made newly appointed officials cautious, with efforts focused on presenting the decisions taken by former officials before the Punjab government for a comprehensive review.

The summary being submitted to the provincial government includes the complete record of the NOCs, observations of the relevant departments, applicable rules and regulations, the potential financial implications, matters relating to the project's cost, and the minutes of the meeting at which the approvals were discussed.

According to sources, the provincial government is determined to complete the Rawalpindi Ring Road project free from legal disputes and administrative complications. Consequently, every aspect of the matter is being scrutinised before a final decision is taken.

Following the completion of the review, the provincial government will decide whether the service area NOCs should remain in force or be revoked altogether.

Officials associated with the project maintained that a mega infrastructure scheme worth billions of rupees must be implemented in accordance with the principles of transparency, merit and the rule of law so that it can be completed without further delay and opened to the public at the earliest opportunity.