The district administration prioritises industrial development, relocated wholesale markets and improved road links to support business growth and reduce traffic congestion.
RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi district administration is prioritising the development of dedicated industrial zones and the relocation of major wholesale markets along the Rawalpindi Ring Road corridor to encourage investment, improve logistics and organise commercial activity.
Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retd.) Nadeem Nasir shared the plans during a consultative meeting with a delegation of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), led by its president, Noshairwan Khalil Khan.
The proposed development plan focuses on creating better conditions for businesses while improving the movement of goods and commercial transport across the Rawalpindi region.
Industrial zones and wholesale markets in focus
The administration plans to establish dedicated industrial areas alongside relocated wholesale markets for vegetables, grains and livestock along the Ring Road corridor.
These measures are intended to improve the organisation of wholesale trade, support commercial investment and reduce the movement of heavy goods vehicles through congested urban areas.
The Ring Road is expected to play an important role in connecting commercial areas and supporting the transportation of goods. Better links between the highway and surrounding areas will be important for businesses that depend on reliable road access.
Connecting roads to receive attention
The district administration has confirmed that engineering work is underway to upgrade connecting roads and feeder networks leading to the Ring Road.
Improved connections are expected to support smoother movement for freight vehicles, strengthen logistics and help reduce traffic pressure on the city’s existing roads.
The administration is also planning to establish a dedicated facilitation centre at the RCCI premises to improve coordination between businesses and government departments.
The centre is intended to make it easier for business representatives to raise concerns, seek assistance and resolve administrative issues.
Faster NOC processing for businesses
The business community welcomed the district administration’s measures to improve government services and make commercial procedures more predictable.
Under the administration’s policy, applications for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) submitted through facilitation desks must be processed within a maximum of three days.
The policy also prohibits sealing commercial establishments without prior formal authorisation from the competent authority.
These measures are intended to reduce unnecessary delays and provide businesses with clearer procedures for dealing with government departments.
Rawat Industrial Estate issues also reviewed
The meeting also covered infrastructure problems affecting the Rawat Industrial Estate.
The deputy commissioner assured business representatives that these issues would receive priority attention, with improved access to the administration and efforts to resolve outstanding disputes.
The ongoing discussions highlight the administration’s focus on industrial development, better transport connections and improved coordination with the private sector.
If implemented effectively, the proposed industrial zones, wholesale market relocation and upgraded feeder roads could strengthen Rawalpindi’s role as a commercial and logistics centre while helping manage traffic and trade more efficiently.
