A formal complaint lodged this month alleges that the ongoing rehabilitation of Rawal Road is repeating the same engineering failures that undermined the 2016 project, potentially putting millions of rupees of public funds at risk. Residents and the complainant warn that without a permanent sewerage and drainage solution, the newly reconstructed carriageway will suffer premature damage.
PU150226-92408903, a representation dated 15 February 2026, was filed by senior citizen Zaheer Ahmed Awan and formally forwarded to the Rawalpindi Development Authority by the offices of the Secretary, Local Government and Community Development and the Secretary, Planning and Development on 16 February 2026. The complaint accuses authorities of gross negligence, substandard construction and failure to implement a proper sewerage and drainage system during current works on Rawal Road.
The submission contends that rehabilitation has commenced without ensuring functional sewerage infrastructure, appropriate drainage gradients or adherence to approved engineering standards. The complainant warned that repeating the technical flaws of the 2016 reconstruction could once again lead to premature deterioration of the roadway and significant financial loss to the national exchequer.
According to the complaint, the original 2016 project was carried out without installing an effective sewerage and drainage system despite repeated protests by residents and formal complaints to the Chief Minister Punjab Complaint Cell, the Chief Secretary Punjab and the National Accountability Bureau. For nearly nine years, residents say sewerage drains along Rawal Road have remained dysfunctional and that during rainfall stagnant water accumulates on the carriageway, disrupting traffic, damaging vehicles, increasing accident risks and hindering emergency services.
The latest filing alleges that the current rehabilitation is proceeding without proper road gradient design, accurate leveling or adequate engineering supervision, describing the situation as prima facie maladministration and misuse of public resources. The complaint demands an immediate inquiry and accountability for decisions that expose public money to loss.
Zaheer Ahmed Awan has called for a transparent and independent investigation into both the 2016 construction and ongoing works, and has insisted that a permanent sewerage and drainage system be completed before any further surfacing or road repairs continue. He also urged strict compliance with engineering standards and sought disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings against officials found responsible for negligence.
Rawal Road is one of Rawalpindi’s busiest arteries, used daily by thousands of commuters, and the complaint has raised fresh questions about technical planning, oversight and accountability in major public infrastructure projects. Local residents are urging the Punjab government and the RDA to ensure that the current reconstruction does not become another example of repeated administrative failure at the expense of public safety and taxpayer money.
