The Capital Development Authority (CDA) announced extensive plans to enhance Islamabad’s beauty, develop sports facilities, upgrade infrastructure, and improve waste management services. The major initiatives were decided during a high-level meeting held at CDA headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Director General of Civil Defence, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Senior CDA officials including CDA Board members, Chief Officer MCI, Directors General for Environment, Building & Housing Control, Works, DMA, Solid Waste Management, and other senior officers participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, participants discussed the implementation of a comprehensive beautification plan for Islamabad. Special emphasis was placed on upgrading Blue Area through the development of pedestrian walkways, a food street and the timely completion of the parking plaza facility. Chairman Randhawa instructed officials to swiftly complete these developments, incorporating high-quality pathways and modern designs to benefit citizens.
Furthermore, detailed plans to transform Islamabad into a sports-friendly city were presented. CDA’s Directorate of Sports & Culture has successfully auctioned five paddle courts located at various places in Islamabad, generating an impressive monthly revenue of PKR 7.6 million. Additionally, the CDA’s planning wing has identified sites for the construction of 25 football grounds and 25 cricket grounds as per directives from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Locations for three futsal grounds, one indoor cricket ground and five cricket academies were also allocated, where work will commence in phases.
Chairman Randhawa emphasized significantly enhancing recreational amenities in major public parks including F-9 Park and Lake View Park. He directed officials to install modern lighting systems and approved the proposal for establishing a dancing fountain in F-9 Park, instructing authorities to promptly begin work in compliance with regulations.
Further outlining CDA’s broader urban improvement vision, he announced that several initiatives—including planting environmentally-friendly trees, launching electric buses, and proposals for a cable car system, a theme park, and a Ferris wheel project—are being finalized according to legal frameworks. These measures aim to attract tourism and enhance the city’s reputation internationally.
Addressing traffic management, Chairman Randhawa informed that CDA is actively constructing new roads and underpasses, alongside upgrading essential thoroughfares such as Expressway, Margalla Road, Club Road, Park Road, and Faisal Avenue. Particular attention is being given to lane marking, footpath repair, beautification of median strips, green belts, and the overall right-of-way maintenance to alleviate traffic congestion. Also prioritized are urban forest initiatives and beautification of main roundabouts to mitigate air and land pollution.
The beautification project also includes robust horticulture and landscaping activities along important model roads. Seasonal flowers are being planted strategically, complemented by aesthetically pleasing planters and wooden elements which have received positive feedback from Islamabad’s residents. Modern lighting arrangements along these roads are also being provided.
Chairman Randhawa stressed the need for comprehensive upgrading of parks in every sector, focusing on enhanced facilities such as improved walking tracks, modern swings, lighting and upgraded horticulture landscapes. He specifically emphasized installing permanent, attractive lights along major roads, including Club Road, Faisal Avenue, Jinnah Avenue, Margalla Road, and Expressway. Additionally, he insisted on a robust and efficient sprinkler system to ensure timely and proper growth of greenery.
To further improve cleanliness standards, it was decided to modernize the city’s existing solid waste management system by acquiring advanced machinery. This initiative aims at significantly raising the quality and effectiveness of waste handling services.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa asserted that CDA is fully committed to utilizing all available resources to transform Islamabad into a model city. He assured rapid progress on initiatives aimed at improving the quality of residential, travel, sports, and recreational services, ultimately enhancing Islamabad’s overall beauty and living standards for residents.
