RAWALPINDI: The divisional administration on Tuesday set another deadline for the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) and Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) to complete underground work on the electricity lines and water supply lines in Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market by February 20.

In November, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi set the deadline of December 31 to complete the work; however, in January, the deadline was fixed for January 31, and now Divisional Commissioner Andul Amer Khattak has given another deadline during his visit to Commercial Market Satellite Town and Raja Bazaar pedestrian streets.

The road from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road, commonly known as Dingi Khoi, was closed for vehicles as the local administration announced its decision to turn it into a pedestrian street for Rs450 million. In the Commercial Market, Rs370 million development work started for pedestrian street.

The commissioner reviewed the pace and quality of ongoing development works along with Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation Chief Municipal Officer Imran Ali. He directed Iesco, Wasa, Sui Gas and PTCL to complete underground utility services by February 20. However, he asked to complete the beautification work by May 30.

Road remains closed for commuters from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road; Traders complain about low business activity

The officials informed that the beautification work, including installation of arch wall, front elevation, tough tiles, bench, street lights, Victorian lights and planters are being installed. They said that the project completion deadline is set for May 30, and the work should be completed within the stipulated period.

The commissioner said that there will be no compromise on the quality of development works, and to provide better facilities to citizens is the government’s top priority. He asked the traffic police to ensure smooth flow of traffic in Raja Bazaar and Commercial market, while Rawalpindi Waste Management Company to improve sanitation conditions on a priority basis.

On the other hand, the slow work has created problems for visitors to the main market of the garrison city. Traders are also worried about the dug-up roads and said their customers avoid visiting the market. And the visitors complained that it was difficult to go shopping as there was no parking space. They said that they were facing problems in reaching the markets due to the digging of the road.

When contacted, RMC Municipal Officer Development Raffaqat Gondal told Dawn that the RMC had started the work to construct pillars of the arches, so the work would be completed within the stipulated time frame.

He said that the water lines and natural gas lines had been relocated while the work on underground electricity wires is in progress. He said that mostly the work had been done and the connections will be started.

For the beautification plan, he said that the arches will be constructed on both sides of Raja Bazaar from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road, while benches will be installed and tiles will be placed in the middle of the road.

He statedthat the flower beds would be constructed, and trees would be planted to give it a green look. He said that special lights will be fixed. He said that Victorian-style lampposts will be installed on both sides of the road and the project will be completed soon.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2026