Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, revealed in a written reply to the National Assembly that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has spent Rs76 million on various beautification projects in Islamabad over the past three years. The initiatives aim to enhance the city’s aesthetics and create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
According to the minister, significant projects included the horticulture plan for the J.S. Pak Day Parade venue and allied areas in 2023, which cost Rs2.593 million, and beautification work on the parade ground for the J.S. Pak Day Parade 2024 in Islamabad amounting to Rs15.849 million. Other major initiatives comprised horticulture rehabilitation and upgrades within the Environment Directorate, costing Rs5.281 million, and the beautification and landscaping of the VVIP route during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in 2024, which accounted for Rs27.160 million. Additional projects included soft landscaping and plantation along National Park Road for Rs10.433 million, and the beautification of the JS Pak Day Parade 2025 venue at Aiwan-e-Sadr, costing Rs7.290 million. Looking ahead, the horticulture plan for celebrating Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq at the Pakistan Sport Complex is expected to cost Rs7.434 million in 2025.
Minister Naqvi also addressed the Islamabad Master Plan, noting that despite several attempts, a full review has not yet been conducted. Amendments have been made over the years, most recently in 1992 and 2024, with the Federal Cabinet approving changes related to zoning and municipal functions to better manage city development. The CDA’s multi-year effort underscores its commitment to raising Islamabad’s urban and environmental standards in line with international benchmarks.
