ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) was directed on Wednesday to expedite development work in five new sectors, including C-14, C-15, C-16, E-12 and I-12.

A meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the CDA Headquarters also decided that the groundbreaking of two new road projects, including the T Chowk Flyover and Shaheen Chowk Underpass, will be carried out during the first week of September.

The meeting further decided that 10 new police stations will be set up in various areas of Islamabad.

The meeting was attended by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, board members and officials of the civic agency.

Groundbreaking of T-Chowk flyover, Shaheen Chowk underpass slated for first week of September

Sources said the minister directed the CDA to complete development work in these sectors as soon as possible, particularly in C-14, C-15 and I-12, where substantial work has already been carried out.

Sources added that with a little push, development work in C-14, C-15 and I-12 could be completed within a few months.

However, due to adverse possession of land in a sub-sector of E-12 and C-16, development work there could take more time. The minister directed the CDA to resolve land issues in all these sectors at the earliest. He also instructed the CDA to clear pending built-up property cases in C-15 within 15 days to secure complete possession of land for development.

The performance of the CDA in sector development has reportedly been “very poor”.

Since then, the CDA has only made promises about launching new sectors. Sector E-12, one of the stalled sectors, was launched in 1989.

Despite the passage of 36 years, allottees are still waiting to get possession of developed plots. Sources said many original allottees who bought plots in 1989 have already died, and now their family members are waiting for the CDA to complete development work.

Sources further said the minister was also briefed on the proposed Faizabad Interchange project and directed the engineering wing to present two more designs. He also instructed the CDA to carry out beautification work at the Diplomatic Enclave and Daman-i-Koh.

The meeting also discussed CDA’s five-star hotel plots located in Sector F-5. Sources said the minister directed the CDA to explore options of public-private partnership for these two projects.

The said plots are located in Sector F-5 – one near the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) and the other near the Marriott Hotel.

According to CDA, both pieces of land hold significant promise for the development of upscale hospitality offerings since they are located next to the headquarters and offices of government entities.

Last year, CDA held an open auction for these two plots, but it failed to attract investors. Therefore, now, sources said that CDA is exploring options for a private partnership.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2025