Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the Capital Development Authority to finalise the designs of the proposed Islamabad cricket stadium and the Kashmir Chowk underpass within ten days, signalling an accelerated push for major urban development projects in the federal capital. The directive was issued during a high level meeting held at CDA Headquarters, focusing on public welfare and infrastructure expansion.
During the meeting, officials reviewed multiple development initiatives and confirmed plans to construct a state of the art international cricket stadium in Islamabad. The facility will be developed in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board and is planned near Sector D Twelve at the foothills of the Margalla Hills. Authorities confirmed that land for the stadium has already been earmarked, enabling swift movement from planning to execution.
To ease traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest junctions, the meeting also approved the construction of a modern underpass at Kashmir Chowk. The interior minister instructed that the final design be submitted within the stipulated ten day timeline, underlining the government’s focus on improving traffic flow and commuter convenience in Islamabad.
In addition, the meeting decided to engage renowned firms for the construction of a five star hotel in the capital. Officials were asked to present details of long vacant commercial plots in the next session. A special team will also be formed to hire a professional solid waste management company to enhance cleanliness and urban services.
The session further reviewed proposals for a new convention centre and discussed land allocation for the headquarters of law enforcement agencies including the Federal Constabulary Rangers and Islamabad Traffic Police. The minister reiterated that operations against encroachments would continue and reclaimed land would be utilised strictly for public benefit projects.
Separately, CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa reviewed progress on ongoing schemes, including the electric bus depot and charging stations, which are nearly complete. Officials reported that all twenty one electric bus routes are fully operational, with daily ridership exceeding one hundred thousand, reflecting strong public response to Islamabad’s expanding modern transport network.
