Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presided over an intensive four-hour strategic review on Wednesday, signaling a major shift toward digital transparency and rapid infrastructure development for the federal capital.
The high-level meeting, which focused on both pending public works and ambitious new initiatives, resulted in a firm mandate to modernize Islamabad’s administrative framework and recreational landscape.
In a landmark decision for city governance, Minister Naqvi ordered the full digitization of all Capital Development Authority (CDA) records. The minister set a strict 120-day deadline for the completion of this transition, noting that the new digital system will empower citizens to monitor the real-time status of their applications without intermediary hurdles. Parallel to these administrative reforms, the minister issued a stern warning against unregulated urban expansion, asserting that no illegal housing societies will be permitted to operate within the capital’s jurisdiction under any circumstances.
The meeting also marked a significant milestone for Islamabad’s international profile, as officials confirmed that three international firms have been pre-qualified for the construction of a new Convention Centre, Expo Centre, and the Islamabad Arena.
Highlighting the urgency of these projects, Minister Naqvi directed that all three venues must be completed ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Further enhancing public services, the session finalised the establishment of a new Khidmat Markaz in the F-6 Sector, with land allocation for the facility ordered immediately.
The future of Islamabad’s leisure and tourism sectors took center stage as the minister called for the swift launch of high-end recreational projects, including Top Golf, hot air balloon rides, zip-lining, and a modern water park.
Naqvi expressed a vision for the city’s green spaces to rival global landmarks, requesting a comprehensive plan to remodel F-9 Park after London’s Hyde Park and to develop new tourist facilities near Shahdara Dam. Additionally, the minister prioritised the city's aesthetic appeal, ordering immediate beautification and lighting upgrades for the Expressway and Club Road.
Addressing internal governance, Minister Naqvi commended CDA Chairman Suhail Ashraf and member Estate Zaman Wattoo for their roles in uncovering a significant corruption scandal within the authority. He emphasised that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward financial irregularities and that no official involved would be spared from accountability.
The session concluded with a briefing from Chairman Ashraf, who noted that work on the Expressway service road is poised to begin as soon as formal approval is granted by the Planning Division.
