Islamabad: the federal capital of Pakistan, holds a unique position in the country’s identity. Planned against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills, the city has traditionally been known for its greenery, spacious avenues, natural beauty and organized urban character. Today, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is pursuing a broad-based programme to further strengthen these attributes while simultaneously modernising infrastructure, improving civic services, protecting public spaces and creating an environment conducive to tourism, investment and economic activity.
Under the vision and directions of Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and under the able and effective supervision of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf, CDA has intensified efforts to transform Islamabad into a more developed, clean, green, beautiful, safe, environmentally sustainable and citizen-friendly capital. CDA’s current approach combines infrastructure development with beautification, environmental protection, improved municipal services, enforcement of regulations and enhancement of recreational and tourism facilities.
One of the most visible dimensions of CDA’s transformation agenda is the acceleration of development and infrastructure projects across the capital. Roads, interchanges, underpasses, pedestrian facilities, service roads and other urban infrastructure are being developed and upgraded to improve connectivity, mobility and traffic flow.
The Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project is one example of this development focus. During a recent field inspection, the Chairman CDA reviewed the pace and quality of work and directed the concerned formations to accelerate completion while maintaining high construction standards. The project is expected to strengthen connectivity, improve traffic movement and increase road capacity in the capital.
Development activities are also progressing in sectors and other important parts of Islamabad. The CDA leadership has repeatedly emphasised timely completion, quality construction and effective utilisation of resources so that citizens can benefit from improved infrastructure without unnecessary delays.
A Historic Breakthrough in Sector E-12
Among the significant recent achievements is the retrieval of more than 1,000 kanals of valuable land in Sector E-12 after more than four decades. According to CDA, the land is worth billions of rupees, and its retrieval has removed a longstanding obstacle to the development of the sector. This achievement is important not merely in terms of land recovery. It creates an opportunity to accelerate planned development, improve infrastructure and bring a long-delayed sector closer to becoming a properly developed part of Islamabad. The successful recovery also demonstrates the importance of coordination between CDA, Enforcement Directorate, Islamabad Administration, Islamabad Police and other concerned departments. It reflects an institutional approach focused on protecting public land and ensuring that valuable state assets are utilised according to Islamabad’s approved planning framework.
Strengthening Islamabad as a Tourist Destination
Islamabad has enormous potential to become one of Pakistan’s leading domestic and international tourism destinations. Its natural landscape, Margalla Hills, walking trails, parks, viewpoints and well-planned urban environment provide a strong foundation for tourism. CDA is working to improve facilities at important recreational destinations including F-9 Park, Lake View Park, Daman-e-Koh and walking trails. These initiatives form part of a broader effort to enhance Islamabad’s tourism and recreational potential and provide better experiences for citizens, domestic tourists and international visitors.
The transformation of Islamabad into a tourism-friendly city can also generate wider economic benefits. A vibrant tourism ecosystem supports restaurants, hotels, transport services, retail businesses, recreational activities and numerous other sectors of the local economy.
Firm Enforcement and Protection of Public Spaces
Development and beautification cannot succeed without effective enforcement. Unauthorised construction, encroachments and misuse of public spaces undermine urban planning, obstruct pedestrian movement, damage green belts and reduce the quality of the city environment. CDA has consequently intensified enforcement under a zero-tolerance approach against encroachments and violations of civic regulations. The objective is to reclaim public land, protect roads and footpaths, preserve green belts and ensure that Islamabad develops according to its approved planning framework.
The Authority is also enforcing Fire and Life Safety regulations to strengthen public safety and protect citizens.
Creating an Investment- and Business-Friendly Capital
A developed capital must also be economically vibrant. Islamabad’s transformation therefore has implications beyond physical infrastructure and aesthetics.
Improved roads, better connectivity, attractive public spaces, modern recreational facilities, enhanced municipal services and predictable enforcement can contribute to creating a more conducive environment for businesses, investors, tourists and service providers.
CDA has also expressed its intention to promote the hospitality industry and develop Islamabad in accordance with modern and international standards. Major initiatives involving hospitality, exhibitions, conventions and other urban facilities can contribute to expanding the capital’s economic and tourism potential.
The broader objective is to establish an Islamabad where development and economic activity take place alongside environmental sustainability, planned urban growth and protection of the city’s distinctive character.
Leadership Focused on Delivery
The current phase of Islamabad’s development is characterised by a strong emphasis on field monitoring, coordination and timely execution.
Since assuming charge as Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf has emphasised timely completion of projects, improved public service delivery, administrative efficiency, transparency and technology-based reforms.
His field visits to development sites—including major infrastructure projects and the Diplomatic Enclave—demonstrate an emphasis on monitoring progress directly, reviewing quality and directing concerned formations to address delays and accelerate implementation.
A Vision for the Islamabad of Tomorrow
The transformation of Islamabad is ultimately not about a single road, park, plantation campaign or development project. It is about creating an integrated urban environment in which infrastructure, cleanliness, greenery, tourism, economic activity, public safety and effective governance complement one another.
Under the policy direction of Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and the supervision of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf, CDA’s ongoing initiatives represent a broad programme aimed at strengthening Islamabad’s position as Pakistan’s federal, diplomatic, administrative, tourism and economic centre. The recovery of valuable public land, acceleration of infrastructure projects, improvement of sanitation, expansion of green cover, beautification of public spaces, enhancement of recreational facilities, strengthening of enforcement and upgrading of the Diplomatic Enclave collectively point towards a more modern and better-managed capital.
