Lahore High Court Rules Government Cannot Withdraw Approved Commitments

Lahore: The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court has ruled that the government cannot backtrack on commitments and approvals it has already granted, delivering a significant judgment in the Rawalpindi Ring Road Service Area No Objection Certificate (NOC) case.

The court ordered that the NOC for the 102-kanal and 14-marla service area along the Rawalpindi Ring Road shall remain valid. It also restrained the relevant authorities from cancelling the NOC, demolishing any construction, or creating obstacles in the project’s execution.

During the hearing, the court described the conduct of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) as irresponsible and directed government institutions to assist the judiciary and avoid unnecessary delays in legal proceedings.

The court observed that once an NOC has been lawfully issued, subsequent threats to revoke it violate constitutional protections under Article 10. It further emphasized that the government cannot renege on its officially issued approvals and commitments.

According to the petitioner, more than Rs750 million has already been invested in the project, while all required legal approvals have been obtained and over Rs178.4 million in government dues has been paid.

The NOC dispute had previously led the Punjab government to remove five senior officials, including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Director General of the relevant authority, directing them to report to the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) pending further inquiry.