ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) organized a series of events at Gandhara Citizen and Heritage Centre, F-9 Park, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Islamabad’s Master Plan in connection with World Cities Day. The celebrations aimed to revive the founding vision of 1960 — sustainability, modern planning, and innovation — that shaped Pakistan’s capital city.CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, attended the ceremony as chief guests.
The event brought together CDA Board members, representatives from UN-Habitat, the DHA, leading architects, urban planners, academicians, civil society members, and a large number of citizens.Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that Islamabad’s 65-year journey stands as a testament to visionary urban planning and sustainable growth. He reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to uphold the original Master Plan as the backbone of the city’s infrastructure and development. He commended CDA’s planning, environment, engineering, and administrative teams for their role in preserving the city’s natural beauty and promoting eco-friendly development.Highlighting the Authority’s ongoing and future initiatives, the Chairman mentioned that CDA is pursuing financial autonomy, digital transformation, and urban planning enhancements through collaboration with SUPARCO’s satellite imaging. Upcoming mega projects include an Expo Centre, five-star hotels, and a cricket stadium.He further announced that long-delayed residential sectors including C-14, C-15, C-16, I-12, E-12, E-13, D-13, and F-13 are being developed, while the Margalla Enclave Project is being launched in partnership with DHA. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) remain central to all development initiatives, he emphasized, as CDA aims to transform Islamabad into a smart, sustainable, and model city.IG Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi lauded Islamabad as one of the most beautiful and safest capitals in the world. He said the city symbolizes Pakistan’s unity and diversity, offering a secure and green environment to all citizens. He praised CDA’s leadership and initiatives in maintaining the city’s serenity and aesthetics. The IG highlighted ongoing efforts under the Safe City Project, which includes digital monitoring systems and the innovative “Police Station on Wheels” service for enhanced citizen facilitation.UN-Habitat Senior Advisor Jawad Ali Khan appreciated CDA’s vision, noting that it aligns with this year’s World Cities Day theme: “People-Centred Smart Cities.”Executive Director SheherSaz Almas Shakoor emphasized inclusive and environment-friendly urban planning, stating that cities must be both smart and people-oriented to achieve real sustainability.The day concluded with a vibrant community festival titled “Islamabad Sheher Mela” at F-9 Park. The festival showcased Islamabad’s 65-year journey of planning and development through smart innovation displays, electric vehicle rides, musical performances, drum circles, kids’ fun zones, and traditional food stalls. The event offered citizens an opportunity to reconnect with their city’s identity and explore sustainable technologies shaping Islamabad’s future.
