RAWALPINDI: In a major urban development push, the Rawalpindi Development Authority has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct markets, commercial plazas and revenue generating projects on vacant plots and open spaces across its housing schemes in the garrison city. The move is being seen as a bold strategy to transform dormant land into profitable assets while tightening control over encroachment prone areas.
The decision was taken during a high level meeting chaired by Commissioner Rawalpindi Abdul Aamer Khattak. Senior officials including RDA Additional Director General Masood Ahmad and Chief Engineer Anwar Baran attended the session where a detailed roadmap for land utilization and asset protection was reviewed.
During the briefing, the Estate Management Directorate informed the participants that the initiative covers vacant properties and open spaces located in 13 housing schemes under the control of the Rawalpindi Development Authority. Officials said the project aims to secure RDA owned land from illegal occupation while simultaneously opening new avenues of sustainable income for the authority.
Authorities believe the large scale commercial development will not only strengthen RDA’s financial position but also improve infrastructure and business activity in different parts of Rawalpindi. Officials stressed that unused land had become increasingly vulnerable to land grabbers and illegal encroachments, making immediate development essential for long term protection.
Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak directed the concerned departments to accelerate the planning and design phase so construction activities could begin without delay. He emphasized that every possible effort must be made to convert idle land into productive commercial hubs capable of benefiting both the authority and the local economy.
The commissioner also ordered full cooperation for the Estate Management Directorate to ensure swift implementation of the initiative. With commercial plazas and markets now on the agenda, the RDA appears ready to launch one of its most aggressive urban asset management drives aimed at reshaping the future commercial landscape of Rawalpindi.
