Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday marked the 65th anniversary of Islamabad’s Master Plan with a pledge to revive the city’s founding 1960 vision — one rooted in sustainability, planning excellence, and innovation — as part of World Cities Day 2025 celebrations.Speaking at the commemorative event held at the Gandhara Auditorium, CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the authority was committed to transforming Islamabad into a modern, model city by embracing advanced technologies and sustainable practices.“We are going back to the 1960 vision in letter and spirit to make Islamabad a Model City,” he said.“It is high time we apply the best possible technologies for better resolution of city issues.”Chairman Randhawa said the CDA would focus on areas including water management, solid waste, housing, and central business districts, with policy reforms aimed at achieving long-term urban resilience.He noted that internationally reputed firms were already working with CDA to reorganise the Master Plan, while major new projects — including a world-class Expo Centre, a seven-star hotel, and a cricket stadium — were in the pipeline. “All projects are being carried out after detailed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA),” he added.Highlighting efforts to tackle land-related challenges, the Chairman said the authority was collaborating with SUPARCO to use satellite mapping and digital tools for effective land management.He said CDA was now ready to deliver long-delayed residential sectors — C-14, C-15, C-16, I-12, E-12, E-13, D-13, and F-13 — along with the Margalla Enclave Project, being developed in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).Applauding various wings of the authority, Chairman Randhawa described the planning has always been Islamabad’s strength. Let’s celebrate the beauty of this city — our shared pride and home,” he said, echoing the event’s theme, “Let’s Celebrate the Beauty of Islamabad.”Finance Wing as the “backbone of CDA” for ensuring timely project completion and praised the Engineering Wing for its “marvellous performance.”Inspector General of Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi lauded the CDA’s planning efforts, saying Islamabad reflected Pakistan’s unity and diversity.“Security is our strength. Islamabad is among the safest and most beautiful capitals in the world, where serenity, greenery and order coexist,” he said.He added that the Islamabad Police were modernising operations through digitisation, including police stations on wheels and enhanced surveillance under the Safe City Project, to ensure citizens’ safety and trust.Jawad Ali Khan, Senior Adviser to UN-Habitat Pakistan, praised CDA’s commitment to aligning with this year’s World Cities Day theme — “People-Centred Smart Cities.”“Cities must keep people at their heart and in harmony with nature. Islamabad’s approach aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
