Islamabad, March 1: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified efforts to upgrade Islamabad’s infrastructure, with Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa issuing key directives during a high-level Zoom meeting on Saturday. Attended by senior CDA officials, NESPAK consultants, and architects, the session focused on major development and beautification projects across the capital.
A primary agenda item was the repair and maintenance of the Islamabad Police Academy. Officials briefed Chairman Randhawa on the ongoing cost estimation process, prompting him to demand finalized timelines and daily progress reports. He also advised seeking technical assistance from NESPAK to ensure high-quality repairs.
The beautification of the Pakistan Secretariat was another focal point. Randhawa emphasized the importance of a cost-effective yet visually appealing design for building facades. He also called for landscaping improvements in surrounding areas and suggested a drone survey to identify suitable parking spaces for the Secretariat.
To enhance the management of municipal assets, the chairman directed the DMA Directorate to assess its properties and determine their market value. Meanwhile, updates on graveyard repairs across the city were provided, with reports indicating significant progress. In a notable decision, Randhawa ordered the immediate waiver of all funeral bus charges and announced the launch of an electric hearse bus service to improve graveyard transport facilities.
The meeting also covered commercial aesthetics, with the chairman proposing a standardized design for advertisements and shop signboards across all major commercial hubs. He stressed the need to engage top architects to create visually appealing signage, aiming to elevate the city’s commercial outlook.
Infrastructure repair and beautification efforts were another priority. Officials confirmed that patchwork and kerbstone repairs were underway, with a particular focus on key roads such as Club Road, Constitution Avenue, Express Highway, Faisal Avenue, Srinagar Highway, Margalla Road, and Jinnah Avenue. Randhawa instructed the swift completion of these projects and the installation of permanent lighting along highways and pedestrian bridges. He emphasized continuous work during Ramadan to meet deadlines efficiently.
Special attention was also given to the renovation of Faisal Mosque. The chairman directed that cleaning and restoration work be completed before Ramadan and ordered the installation of decorative lighting to enhance the mosque’s visual appeal for the holy month.
With Ramadan approaching, Randhawa underscored the urgency of these initiatives, aiming to create a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing cityscape for residents and visitors alike.
