LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated an investigation into the alleged alteration of the design of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, reviving scrutiny over a controversy that first emerged during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s tenure.
According to official sources, the provincial government has begun examining claims that unauthorized changes were made to the project’s approved design. Authorities are also considering the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
As part of the investigation, the Additional Chief Secretary has sought the complete project record from the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). Officials are reviewing all relevant documentation to determine whether the project was implemented in accordance with approved plans and legal requirements.
Sources said the inquiry includes scrutiny of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), approved layout plans, official maps, and other regulatory approvals related to the Ring Road project. Investigators are expected to compare the sanctioned design with the version that was ultimately implemented to identify any discrepancies.
The probe will also examine the financial aspects of the project. According to sources, more than Rs 753.2 million was invested in the Ring Road Service Area project, while Rs 31.784 million was deposited in the form of government dues and related charges.
Officials are expected to assess whether all financial transactions, planning approvals, and administrative procedures complied with the relevant laws and regulations.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road project has remained one of Punjab’s most closely watched infrastructure schemes due to allegations that its route was altered to benefit certain private housing developments and landowners.
The controversy first surfaced during the PTI government’s tenure, when accusations emerged that changes had been made to the project’s original design. Following those allegations, action was taken against the then Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi as part of the official response.
The latest investigation signals renewed efforts by the Punjab government to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged design modifications and determine whether any irregularities occurred during the planning and execution of the project.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for completing the inquiry or confirmed whether a Joint Investigation Team will formally be constituted. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are expected to review both administrative records and technical documentation before reaching any conclusions.
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