ivil administration in Islamabad has a new face following the change in government. Ali Nawaz Awan, advisor to the prime minister for the Capital Development Authority (CDA) under Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf rule is no longer in office. Hanif Abbasi, a PML-N stalwart from Rawalpindi, is now the special assistant to the PM.

In a recent report by Gallup Pakistan, 41 percent residents of Islamabad gave the highest rating to the Capital Development Authority. According to the survey, 40 percent of the residents rated the Municipal Corporation very highly. Clean drinking water, public transport, streetlights, cleanliness and management of public parks were some of the performance indicators for the CDA, police, the IESCO and the municipal administration. 59 percent of the people were satisfied with the IESCO and 49 percent with the police. The PTI was popular among 31 percent of the sample, and the PML-N among 15 percent.

Islamabad’s long-serving deputy commissioner, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, has been dispatched to the Establishment Division for a different role. Irfan Memon, previously assistant to Ahad Cheema, has replaced him.

Above all, Sheikh Ansar, Islamabad’s first mayor, who was sacked over corruption charges, is again trying to attract media attention. These are some of the many big changes that will have a lasting impact on public life in the federal capital.

Ali Nawaz Awan auctioned off commercial plots as PM’s advisor during his stint with the CDA. A single auction reportedly brought Rs 27 billion. Former prime minister Imran Khan mentioned this as an achievement of his government. Flush with money, the civic body announced bonuses for its employees. However, there was no respite for citizens and their issues remained as intractable as ever.

No new residential sectors were developed to provide secure housing to people. Unfinished sectors stood undeveloped with only some cosmetic changes.

Due to this inertia, residents were forced to look to private sector developers and prices in their housing societies skyrocketed.

Housing is a major issue for residents of Islamabad. When a government fails to fix this problem, private building developers cash in on it and fleece the citizens without any fear. The small housing finance schemes that the government introduced are an inconsequential solution to a mammoth problem.

Housing is a major issue for residents of Islamabad. When a government fails to fix this problem, private building developers cash in on it and fleece citizens without any fear. The small housing finance schemes that the government introduced are an inconsequential solution to a big problem.

Expansion of the Islamabad Expressway and the construction of a bypass for the federal capital remain a pipedream. The government was unable even to fix the flaws in the Naval Anchorage Interchange on the Expressway. The interchange lacks loops for commuters to utilise its full potential.

A big achievement of the previous government was the recovery of some land from land grabbers. During the early months of his tenure, former prime minister Imran Khan personally oversaw the operation. Shafqaat, the then deputy commissioner, was at the forefront of this effort.

The previous government also planted trees along several city roads. Plantation drives also remained in full swing for areas close to Bani Gala.

Hamza Shafqaat was also instrumental in the digitisation of the city’s excise and revenue records through the use of technology to detect land frauds. This was especially helpful for overseas Pakistanis. His claim to fame was his online presence and being responsive to citizen’s complaints. While many liked him, there were also those who criticised him for seeking publicity. Some colleagues, too, said this did not behove a government officer.

Chief Commissioner Amer Ahmed Ali would berate young assistant commissioners in Islamabad for notifying specific hours for meetings with the public. In a conversation, he said, “They are public servants 24/7. They should not be available to the public for only a few hours.”

Irfan Memon, who has replaced Shafqaat, used to work with Ahad Cheema. Cheema was known for coming up with out-of-the-box solutions and delivering on tough deadlines. His performance in supervising Metro and Orange Line projects in Lahore was publicly commended by Shahbaz Sharif, the then Punjab chief minister.

The National Accountability Bureau accused him of having assets beyond known means, but was unable prove the corruption charges after four years of investigation.

It is hoped that Memon will show some of Cheema’s strengths. Islamabad is a unique city with unique needs. The sooner he understands that, the better.

Hanif Abbasi was generally credited with hard work on the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro project during the PML-N government four years ago. However, the project hit some snags and he was charged with corruption. With him back, it is hoped that the uplift work will pick up pace in Rawalpindi.

The PML-N made Shiekh Ansar the first mayor of the city in 2015. He was also given charge of essential CDA departments to ensure efficient service delivery in the federal capital. However, he could not make his mark and under the PTI government was charged with corruption.

He is now issuing statements about how Imran Khan never paid for the road leading to his mansion in Bani Gala.

The capital has had enough of big talk from city officials. It deserves officials who can walk the walk.

The writer teaches development support communication at International Islamic University   Islamabad.  Twitter:  @HassanShehzadZ  Email: Hassan.shehzad  @iiui.edu.pk