IT is after many years that Islamabad is witnessing a much-needed face-lift, with road infrastructure projects transforming the look and feel of the federal capital. Credit for this positive change undoubtedly goes to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, whose efforts have given a fresh impetus to the city’s development.
Islamabad’s population has grown considerably over the years, putting increasing pressure on its roads and existing infrastructure. Improving road networks, easing congestion and ensuring a smoother flow of traffic were no longer choices but necessities. What makes this development particularly encouraging is not just the scale of the projects but also the speed at which they are being completed. The recently inaugurated Kashmir Chowk underpass, completed in just 27 days, is a remarkable example of what focused leadership, effective planning and efficient execution can achieve. Other projects, including the Allama Iqbal Flyover, Serena Interchange and Park Road, have also been completed within their stipulated timeliness. Equally important is the reconstruction of service roads on both sides of the Islamabad Expressway. These roads had remained in a dilapidated condition for years, with little attention paid to the difficulties faced by commuters. The Interior Minister’s personal interest in the project has ensured that these roads are not only being reconstructed but also widened, a development that is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on the main Expressway. Of course, infrastructure development comes with its challenges, including the environmental cost of tree removal. However, what deserves appreciation is that large-scale plantation is also taking place alongside construction work. The CDA-operated electric bus service on different routes has also made commuting easier for residents, offering a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transport. It is hoped that the service will be further expanded to cover more sectors and neighbourhoods, benefiting an even larger number of residents. In just the last two years, under the supervision of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the CDA has brought a visible change to Islamabad’s landscape. The Interior Minister and his CDA team have demonstrated that public infrastructure projects can be completed in a matter of months rather than years. This is a precedent worth emulating and other cities across Pakistan should draw inspiration from the capital’s ongoing transformation.
