RAWALPINDI: To bolster the Rawalpindi Ring Road Project Management Unit capacity, Punjab housing department has been formally requested to expedite the recruitment process and hire staff to support the project’s implementation.

Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Director General Kinza Murtaza said that the Project Management Unit (PMU) for the Rawalpindi Ring Road project has not been shut down. In response to a shortage of staff within the PMU, the RDA has implemented proactive measures to ensure the continued progress of the project.

It may be mentioned here that three senior officials of PMU resigned last month including financial expert, environment specialist and administrative official. Upon this, RDA officials deputed against these posts so the work will not stop.

Kinza Murtaza said that additional responsibilities have been assigned to RDA official to manage the PMU effectively, preventing any delays in the execution of the Ring Road project.

This strategic decision was made to ensure the project’s timely completion, which is essential for enhancing infrastructure and alleviating traffic congestion in the region.

“The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, a key initiative aimed at improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion, is moving forward with full dedication and support from RDA leadership,” she added.

On the other hand, the PMU of Rawalpindi Ring Road was established in 2019 to execute the project. However, the project formally launched in March 22 by the then Prime Minister Imran Khan.

After establishment of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government in April 2022, the project was stopped.

And, in August 8, 2023, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the project and the construction work started.

At present, Commissioner Rawalpindi division Amir Khattak is the project director while PMU is being run by deputy project director Ishfaq Sulehri.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024