The RDA has officially taken back control of the main parking plaza located at Fawara Chowk in Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar after the expiration of a three-year lease agreement. With the lease period coming to an end, the contractor’s management of the facility has concluded, and the authority has resumed direct control over its operations.
According to officials, the RDA took possession of the parking plaza on July 10, accompanied by local police to ensure a smooth handover. Soon after assuming control, the authority began managing the parking facility through its own staff. The previous lease had been awarded through a public auction and came into effect on July 11, 2023.
The RDA stated that the former contractor has outstanding financial liabilities exceeding Rs. 40 million, including accumulated interest. Officials said these unpaid dues remain recoverable and are part of the ongoing financial dispute between the authority and the contractor.
In addition to the financial matter, the contractor has filed a civil case against the RDA, which is currently pending before the relevant court. The authority confirmed that it will continue to cooperate with the legal process and comply with any future decisions issued by the competent judicial forum.
Looking ahead, the RDA has announced plans to lease the parking plaza once again through a fresh public auction. Officials said the upcoming bidding process will be conducted strictly in accordance with the Punjab Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules and the authority’s own regulations to ensure transparency and fair competition.
The authority believes that re-auctioning the facility under the prescribed legal framework will help improve management and maximize public revenue while maintaining efficient parking services in the busy Raja Bazaar commercial area.
Officials further emphasized that all future actions regarding the parking plaza will remain subject to applicable laws and any court orders issued in connection with the ongoing dispute. Until a new lease is awarded, the RDA will continue to operate and manage the parking plaza directly through its own administrative staff.
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