Islamabad reviews security measures, fast-tracks major development projects

ISLAMABAD: A high-level meeting chaired by Federal Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters on Friday to review measures aimed at improving law and order, security, and the progress of key development projects in the federal capital.

The meeting was attended by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with senior officials including Member Administration Talat Mehmood, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, and Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch.

Officials were briefed on ongoing efforts to enhance security in Islamabad, including the completion of gate installations at various entry points, while work on security fencing around key access routes is progressing rapidly. The interior secretary directed CDA, in coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and police, to ensure timely completion of all security-related civil works.

The meeting also reviewed multiple infrastructure projects under way across the city, aimed at modernising Islamabad’s road network and reducing traffic congestion. Among them, work on the Kashmir Chowk Underpass is in progress, which is expected to ease traffic flow on major arteries. Authorities were instructed to incorporate a comprehensive beautification plan alongside the project, including landscaping, tree plantation, and installation of fountains.

Progress on the 11th Avenue project was also discussed. The road will link Iran Avenue with Srinagar Highway and IJP Road, and is expected to become a major traffic corridor in the capital.

Similarly, work continues on the Service Road East project along Islamabad Expressway, where a 9.5-kilometre stretch from Faizabad to Gulberg is being developed to reduce traffic pressure and cater to future transport needs.

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The meeting was further informed about plans to connect Margalla Avenue with Motorway M-1 through a 2.7-kilometre link road, which will provide direct connectivity between the National Highway (N-5) and the motorway network. Groundbreaking for the project is expected soon.

In addition, the Ataturk Avenue project is under development, integrating Agha Khan Road and Jinnah Avenue to improve traffic flow. The project includes upgradation of road infrastructure and the construction of dedicated cycle tracks.

Secretary Interior Khurram Agha directed that environmental assessment studies be conducted for all projects through the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said assistant commissioners and project directors would closely monitor progress to ensure timely completion and maintain quality standards. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to transforming Islamabad into a modern, well-planned city of international standards.