ISLAMABAD: City managers on Monday stated that joint teams of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and capital administration will remain deployed in the field to serve citizens during rains this week.

“CDA and the district administration have made special arrangements in view of the forecast of rain, wind, hailstorms and thunderstorms. According to the Meteorological Department, there are chances of rain, wind, hailstorms and thunderstorms in the federal capital Islamabad from March 24 to March 30,” says a press release issued by CDA.

It is relevant to note here that, like other parts of the country, the weather pattern of Islamabad has also been badly disrupted for the last few years, as last year, the city faced flash floods and unprecedented hailstorms.

CDA’s press release said Chairman CDA Mohammad Ali Randhawa had directed the CDA, ICT administration and MCI to make comprehensive arrangements to deal with any emergency-like situation in Islamabad.

Teams deployed to oversee emergency-like situations, tackle drainage, potential flooding

“In line with the direction, joint teams of the CDA, MCI and ICT administration will remain deployed in the field to serve citizens during the rains. Similarly, emergency and rescue response teams have also been placed on high alert in Islamabad,” it said.

Mr Randhawa directed that all main highways, drains, water channels and low-lying areas in Islamabad be strictly monitored. He instructed the relevant staff and modern machinery to remain in the field and perform monitoring duties.

The CDA chairman directed that relevant officers of the CDA and ICT administration ensure their own presence in the field.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain, wind, and hailstorms in the federal capital, Islamabad, from March 25 to 26, while rain is forecast to continue from March 28 to March 30.

The press release said that “CDA administration said that citizens should avoid unnecessary travel during the rains and take precautionary measures. The CDA administration added that citizens can contact the CDA helpline in case of any emergency or complaint, where timely redressal of complaints received will be ensured”.

It added that “special drainage arrangements have been made at underpasses and other locations to maintain the flow of traffic on main highways during the rains.”

The CDA chairman further said the objective of these measures was to ensure the safety of citizens and the provision of the best possible facilities in Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2026