ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated the multi-billion Serena Interchange Project, whose official name is Jinnah Square, three months after he laid the foundation stone of the mega project.

Jinnah Square has three underpasses: one on Khayban-i-Suhrawardi and two on Srinagar Highway with loops.

The prime minister, who had laid the foundation stone of this project on November 5 with a 60-day completion target, appreciated Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa for completing this mega project “in a record 72 days”.

PM Shehbaz said that after the completion of this project, which had three underpasses and a 14-kilometre road network, people will get big relief, adding that earlier the public used to face traffic congestion at this point. He said that this project not only provided a traffic solution but also “will also help reduce pollution”.

Naqvi hints at another road project in Islamabad within this month

The prime minister praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying that the interior minister had replaced “Punjab Speed with Mohsin Speed” for completing the projects in Islamabad in record time.

“Well done; it is a moment of rejoicing for everyone because such an approach could change fate of nations. It is time for celebrations,” he said, while also appreciating the CDA chairman and the contractor for ensuring the swift completion of this project. PM Shehbaz directed the beautification of the underpasses.

He also said there was also a need for renovation of old buildings of the Pak Secretariat, which were constructed in the 60s.

“With best beautification work, Islamabad should be turned into a ‘role model’ city… Let me appreciate you for the beautiful work done during the SCO conference, as many foreign delegates appreciated that work,” he said.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, the interior minister said that due to hard rock and running nullah, the CDA had to do some extra work that took over two weeks. He appreciated the CDA team, the contractor, and the consultant for completing the project in “record 72 days” after working round the clock.

Mr Naqvi said that in the next 10 days, the Jinnah Avenue flyover would also be opened while in the same period, an underpass on the junction of Srinagar Highway and Murree Road would be started.

The project worth Rs4.2 billion was started on November 5. According to the CDA, in accordance with the letter of commencement, the project was completed in 72 days. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a number of lawmakers, including Raja Khurram Nawaz, Anjum Aqeel, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Hanif Abbasi.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2025