ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the district administration have decided to improve civil defence and volunteer services, including enhancing emergency response, firefighting training, bomb disposal measures and effectiveness of volunteer training.

In this regard, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa at the CDA headquarters.

The meeting was attended by Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem and officials from the ICT administration and different departments.

According to a statement, the meeting reviewed the overall performance of civil defence, particularly the National Institute of Fire Technology, as well as training institutes established at the provincial headquarters and other cities.

36 master trainers will be equipped to train volunteers using modern methods, CDA chief tells meeting

Mr Randhawa, who is also the director general Civil Defence Department, said its primary objective was to ensure the safety of lives and their property. He said 36 master trainers will be equipped to train volunteers using modern methods. He added that robust awareness campaign will be launched for public education about civil defence.

He directed that civil defence training centres be upgraded according to modern requirements. Additionally, regular workshops on fire prevention and first aid should be held in educational institutions and public places. He also emphasised increasing volunteer participation so that all segments of society can contribute to the efforts. International experiences and expertise in civil defence will also be leveraged.

Mr Randhawa praised the services of volunteers and instructed the formulation of an integrated and effective strategy to make the Civil Defence Department more active, address resource shortages and ensure the availability of trained staff.

“The goal is to enable trained civil defence volunteers to play a vital role in managing emergencies and strengthening civil defence efforts,” he said.

Renovation of interchanges and highways

Meanwhile, the CDA reviewed the implementation of Islamabad’s uplift and beautification plan, including the renovation and repair of interchanges, pedestrian bridges and main highways as well as the installation of aesthetically permanent lights and SMDs.

At another meeting, various design proposals for the beautification and renovation of Rawal Chowk Interchange were presented. The CDA chairman directed that the design of the interchange should include cultural representations from all provinces as well as Islamabad and other federating units. He also instructed that work should be carried out to install attractive lights and modern SMD screens at the interchange.

He also ordered the overhauling and maintenance of pedestrian bridges on main highways along with the installation of lights and SMDs.

The MPO Wing briefed the meeting on progress regarding lane markings, repair of kerb stones and patchwork on main highways.

The CDA chief stated that while new roads and underpasses were being constructed to address the city’s traffic issues, Islamabad Expressway, Jinnah Avenue, Srinagar Highway, Margalla Road, Club Road, Park Road and Faisal Avenue were not only being upgraded but special attention was also being given to lane markings, zebra crossings, footpath repairs, median strips, greenbelts and beautifying right-of-ways.

He also directed that parks in every sector should be fully upgraded, including tracks, swings, modern lighting and horticultural work.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2025