ISLAMABAD: City managers plan to develop residential-cum-commercial area called Jinnah Square Downtown, spanning 5,400 kanal along Srinagar Highway and Murree Road.

Sources in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) said the downtown area will start from One Constitution high rise building and culminate near Bhara Kahu bypass.

CDA officials told Dawn that if all goes as planned, CDA could generate trillions of rupees in next two decades.

The downtown will have plots for hotel, apartments, hospital, commercial areas and recreational facilities, etc.

Sources said that before executing the project, the CDA will present this case before the federal cabinet through ministry of interiorfor approval. If the cabinet gives its approval, the civic agency will go for international consultants for proper planning and development of this area.

The downtown will be developed on left side of Srinagar Highway and Murree Road facing Bhara Kahu side. Sources in CDA said that the authority had already in possession of over 90pc of land. Only a partial area of Malpur is in adverse possession.

The new downtown has been named as Jinnah Square Downtown, as it starts from Jinnah Square (formerly known Serena interchange). Sources said that as per initial plan, the construction activities will be carried out on 40pc area while 60pc area will be used as green area for parks and roads.

Sources said the area being in the vicinity of scenic Srinagar Highway and Murree Road will be very attractive for investors as on one side of the area is Rawal Dam while on the other side there is Margalla Hills.

Sources said that the idea of setting up the downtown was conceived by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, who during his visits to Serena Interchange and ongoing Murree Road interchange, pointed out vacant CDA’s land. He then directed the authorities concerned to explore options of using this area.

Sources said that the proposed downtown will be placed before CDA board meeting, which is likely to be held on Wednesday for final approval.

“Yes, we have planned Jinnah Square Downtown, once it is approved by CDA board, the civic agency will get approval from federal government as well before launching it,” said a CDA deputy director.

He said that this project will be a new Blue Area type of business hub for Islamabad with additional facilities of residential apartments and parks.

Meanwhile, the underpass project on Murree Road is progressing, aiming to provide a direct link to Srinagar Highway for motorists coming from Murree. This development will significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time. The project is expected to complete by May-end.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2025