Issues to improve Islamabad’s development, services discussed

Islamabad:A delegation of parliamentarians from Islamabad, comprising MNAs Tariq Fazal Chudhary, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, and Anjum Aqeel Khan, recently met with the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, to address pressing issues affecting the city.

The meeting was attended by Members of the CDA, the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, and senior officers from relevant departments. Chairman Randhawa welcomed the parliamentarians and emphasized the importance of regular meetings to address the issues faced by Islamabad’s residents. He stated that ownership of key initiatives and projects by parliamentarians is essential for the city’s development and progress.

The parliamentarians reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the CDA in its efforts for Islamabad’s development, beautification, and overall betterment. They expressed their full cooperation for CDA’s initiatives and offered valuable suggestions to resolve city-wide challenges effectively. During the meeting, the progress of projects under the Rural Development Package was reviewed. The CDA Chairman assured that the financial hurdles affecting progress would be resolved urgently. The DG Works, CDA was designated as the focal point for expediting work on ongoing projects.

The development of green belts along the Islamabad Expressway was also discussed, including proposals for establishing playgrounds through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The DG Environment was assigned to oversee issues related to the upgradation of existing parks, new parks, green belts, and open spaces. The parliamentarians were briefed on the digital parking system recently launched in Islamabad and plans for its expansion to other commercial centres and markets. The CDA chairman stated that the revenue generated from digital parking would be used for local area improvements. The parliamentarians expressed their full support for this initiative.

Chairman Randhawa also updated the delegation on efforts to address sewage issues, including the creation of a dedicated body, Islamabad Water. It was discussed that the sewage problems in Islamabad's border areas would be addressed with WASA Rawalpindi. The need for land for new graveyards was also discussed, and plans were made to identify suitable locations.