RAWALPINDI: In order to solve issues related to law and order, traffic control, public transport, encroachments, demarcation of lands on border areas of the twin cities, the Divisional Commissioner Noorul Amin Mengal has sought approval of Punjab chief minister for formation of a joint administration board.

The commissioner sent a summary to the chief minister for approval.

The board headed by deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would help solve issues as soon as possible.

According to the summary, the population of Islamabad and Rawalpindi combined together make them the third largest urban entity.

“Administrative structure of both the districts is governed by different laws under different administrative hierarchies. With meteoric expansion in population of both cities in last two decades, many challenges and problems of myriad nature have necessitated the requirement of an all inclusive administrative structure which can redress plethora of issues of twin cities in an effective and synchronised manner.

Problems of both cities to be solved call for an institutional arrangement in the shape of a vibrant board with well defined objectives comprising of officers of all relevant departments of both the provincial and federal government, it stated, adding that section 4(C) of the Punjab Civil Administration Act, 2017 has authorised commissioner of the division to facilitate and coordinate any work which concerns two or more districts in the division or two or more divisions for purposes of integrated development, efficient use of public resourcesand effective service delivery.

The board may include 20 members headed by deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Mengal said that the basic idea behind forming a joint board was to come up with solutions for problems. He said that after approval of Punjab chief minister, the matter would be sent to the prime minister for final approval.

“Meetings of the board will be held on monthly and rotational basis. Meetings of the board will be co-chaired by both deputy commissioners. Secretaries of the board will maintain record and minutes of the meetings and will ensure implementation of the decisions within given timelines.

“Issues will be thoroughly discussed, deliberated and addressed under the supervision of the board and it may co-opt any expert or technical member for any special and technical issue of the twin cities,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2022