A special meeting at the Rawalpindi Development Authority focused on the significant development plans for the Rawalpindi Ring Road Economic Zones, aiming to transform the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad through improved infrastructure and modern urban planning. The initiative is set to ease traffic congestion, boost economic growth, and provide a cleaner, safer environment for residents.
Director General RDA, Kinza Murtaza, chaired the meeting and emphasized the far-reaching impact of the Ring Road project. She highlighted that the ambitious plan will not only address traffic issues but will also promote the establishment of key facilities along both sides of the road. These include logistics and education centers, a health city, a dry port, business centers, industrial zones, transport terminals, wholesale markets, amusement parks, and residential communities. Murtaza added that these developments would create hundreds of new jobs and improve amenities for the local population, assuring that construction would be completed in the near future.
Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Senior Advisor at OIC COMSTECH, praised the project as a long-awaited necessity and a catalyst for the region’s progress. He stressed its particular importance for the south-western expansion of Rawalpindi and recommended implementing advanced town planning, a Green Building Code, and city regeneration measures. He explained that establishing Special Economic Zones will modernize the area and help eliminate unlawful urban encroachments through comprehensive policy reforms.
Further supporting the business community, Dr. Mahmud encouraged greater participation from the private sector. He pointed out that overcoming Pakistan’s economic challenges relies on private investment and increasing exports, noting that all possible support will be provided to investors in the new economic zones.
Former Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi also backed the project, noting that its main purpose is to improve economic connectivity and transport efficiency between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The meeting was attended by key RDA officials, including the Additional Director General, the Chief Planner, and directors from various RDA departments, further highlighting the importance of the initiative for the region’s future development.
