RAWALPINDI: Authorities have accelerated efforts to upgrade urban infrastructure across the Rawalpindi division, with Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak directing all district administrations to complete ongoing beautification projects within strict timelines while maintaining high quality standards.

The directive was issued during a high level review meeting held at the RDA office, attended by senior officials including representatives from municipal bodies and the Parks and Horticulture Authority. Deputy commissioners from Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Murree joined the session via video link to present progress updates.

Officials informed the meeting that a total of 17 beautification schemes are currently underway across the division. These include five projects in Rawalpindi, four each in Jhelum and Murree, and two each in Attock and Chakwal, reflecting a region wide push to enhance public spaces.

Progress reports revealed varying completion levels. Key markets in Chakwal have reached up to 70 percent completion, while Murree’s Barriyan Bazaar stands at 76 percent. In Rawalpindi, major projects such as Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market are nearing completion, while KRL Road has crossed the 80 percent mark.

The commissioner stressed that the primary objective is to create clean, organised and visually appealing urban environments. He instructed departments to prioritise cleanliness, plantation, restoration of streetlights, wall improvements and removal of encroachments, especially along major roads and commercial hubs.

Emphasising accountability, Abdul Aamer Khattak ordered daily monitoring of all projects and immediate resolution of bottlenecks. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to urban transformation, stating that all available resources will be deployed to ensure timely completion and improved public experience across the division.