Rawalpindi to be glorified as historical, metropolitan city : Basharat Raja

Author: Staff Report

The Provincial Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs, Local Bodies and Community Development, Muhammad Basharat Raja has said that Rawalpindi will soon get a Metropolitan status and Punjab government’s prime focus was to develop cities across Punjab. Rawalpindi being historical city can be made hub for tourist attractions, he added.

Addressing a briefing on Glorious Rawalpindi at Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Basharat Raja lauded RCCI efforts for taking lead on this key project and assured full support and assistance to revive the glory of great city, Rawalpindi.

He said Punjab government and his office will take all stakeholders on board to address the issues including encroachment, shifting of Whole Sale markets, fruit and vegetables markets at ring road, parking in main markets, waste management and traffic congestion.

Minister appreciated RCCI Chamber-Police Coordination

He appreciated RCCI Chamber Police Coordination Committee initiative to address grievances of traders for outside court settlement; however, he suggested that Punjab Government is planning to launch Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee (ADRC) at local level to address the masses grievances at police stations.

He assured full support for issuing funds and assistance for link road at Rawat Industrial Estate, up-gradation of Social Security Dispensary, Renovation of Rawalpindi Gymkhana club and other development projects in Rawalpindi.

Earlier, RCCI President in his address gave a detail overview of Chambers current and upcoming activities to promote trade activities in the city and asked for cooperation in addressing property tax, Board tax, dual taxation and amendments in laws hindering development of the city.

Chairman Glorious Rawalpindi Project Asad Mashadi in his presentation informed that the major aim of this project was to restore the city’s beauty and heritage and Chamber is working with key stakeholders i.e. PHA, RDA and City Administration to promote the city’s clean environment; develop its crossroads and pavements, improve the designs of its parks, and revive its heritage.