Celebration of 65th Anniversary of Islamabad Master Plan and Organization of “Islamabad Shehar Mela” in Connection with World Cities Day 2025

Date: Oct 31, 2025

ISLAMABAD: October 30, 2025: A ceremony was held at F-9 Park and the Gandhara Citizens and Heritage Center to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Islamabad’s Master Plan and World Cities Day. On this occasion, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) reaffirmed its commitment to revitalize the founding vision of 1960—anchored in sustainability, modern planning, and innovation. Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, attended the ceremony as special guests. The event was also attended by CDA Board Members, UN-Habitat, DHA representatives, renowned architects, town planners, and professionals from various fields across the country. A large number of citizens, including civil society representatives, university faculty, and students, also participated in the event. Addressing the ceremony, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said, “Let us celebrate the beauty of our city—Islamabad! Today, we pay tribute to the city’s Master Plan, a symbol of visionary urban planning and sustainable development for 65 years.” He emphasized that the implementation of the Master Plan forms the backbone of Islamabad’s infrastructure and future growth. He said, “We are fortunate to have inherited one of the best-planned and most beautiful capitals in the world.” The Chairman lauded the contributions of all CDA formations—particularly Planning, Environment, Finance, Administration, and Engineering Wings—for their role in city development and environmental conservation. He reiterated CDA’s dedication to preserving Islamabad’s natural beauty and protecting its environment. Highlighting key initiatives, the Chairman said that financial autonomy, digital transformation, and collaboration with SUPARCO for satellite imagery to support urban planning and address land management challenges are among CDA’s core priorities. He further mentioned that upcoming mega projects include an Expo Center, five-star hotels, and a cricket stadium, among other development ventures. He announced that CDA is now fully prepared to deliver several long-pending residential sectors, including C-14, C-15, C-16, I-12, E-12, E-13, D-13, and F-13, while the Margalla Enclave Project is being developed in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA). Chairman Randhawa underscored that Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are being prioritized across all projects, adding that CDA remains committed to transforming Islamabad into a modern, smart, and sustainable city through the adoption of advanced technologies and eco-friendly practices. Speaking on the occasion, Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, said that Islamabad is “one of the most beautiful capitals in the world—rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity.” He stated that Islamabad reflects the unity of all provinces of Pakistan and highlighted the importance of security in ensuring the city’s serenity and growth. The IG praised the Chairman CDA and his team for their remarkable contributions to Islamabad’s beautification and development, noting that the city stands among the safest in the world. He added that under the Safe City Project, Islamabad Police is further improving public service through digital surveillance, modern technology, and innovative initiatives like “Police Station on Wheels.” Jawad Ali Khan, Senior Advisor, UN-Habitat Pakistan, appreciated CDA’s efforts, noting that the Authority’s vision aligns with this year’s World Cities Day theme: “People-Centred Smart Cities.” Executive Director City Planner, Ms. Almas Shakeel, emphasized the importance of urban inclusion and eco-friendly planning, stating that “from ancient civilizations to modern capitals, true sustainability emerges through citizen participation. Our goal must be to build cities that are not only smart but also humane.” During the event, senior CDA officers and urban experts delivered briefings on city planning, environmental management, and development projects aimed at addressing contemporary urban challenges. Later in the day, a vibrant community festival titled “Islamabad Shehar Mela” was held at F-9 Park, celebrating Islamabad’s 65-year planning journey and World Cities Day. The festival featured innovation exhibits, electric vehicle rides, musical performances, drum circles, children’s fun zones, and local food stalls. The “Islamabad Shehar Mela” provided citizens with an opportunity to reconnect with their city’s identity and explore smart and sustainable living solutions.