RAWALPINDI: The divisional administration on Thursday imposed a ban on development work and digging of roads at sites where a civic body is already working, directing that no other civic body will be allowed to dig the same road until the ongoing work is completed.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Amir Khattak, while presiding over a meeting to review the performance of the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), directed all deputy commissioners to display maps of Wasa’s ongoing projects at prominent places in their offices.

The maps will clearly indicate areas where Wasa’s work is in progress so that no further scheme is initiated there until the completion of Wasa’s work.

“Different activities should be avoided at the same place at the same time so that there is no chance of wasting government resources,” he said, adding that no other type of activity would be allowed where development work is underway.

Regarding road cutting, the commissioner issued strict instructions, saying that any department requiring road cutting must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the district administration.

He clarified that the NOC would be issued by the deputy commissioner at the district level, while at the divisional level it would be issued by the commissioner.

He said the concerned department would be required to deposit a fixed amount in advance so that, after completion of its work, the road could be repaired and restored to its original condition. In case of road cutting without an NOC, he warned, an FIR would be registered and stern action taken against the violators.

The commissioner further directed deputy commissioners to personally conduct field visits to identify all locations where manholes are open. “All such manholes should be covered immediately, and a daily report of the activities carried out should be submitted to the commissioner’s office,” he said.

Emphasising that the protection of life and property of citizens is the primary responsibility of the administration, Commissioner Khattak said no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.

He directed officials to maintain strong coordination, complete all development activities in accordance with prescribed rules and regulations, and ensure the provision of facilities to the public.

Additional Commissioner Coordination Zenia Humayun, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, and deputy commissioners of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree districts participated in the meeting held at the commissioner’s office via video link.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2025