Interior minister announces Vision 2027 development roadmap
PM Inaugurates Allama Iqbal Flyover
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is preparing to launch a two-year development plan for Islamabad titled “Vision 2027,” as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the Allama Iqbal Flyover at T-Chowk.
The flyover was opened to traffic 96 days after the foundation stone was laid, reflecting what officials described as accelerated project execution. Constructed at a cost of Rs1.4 billion, the project witnessed a 15 per cent increase from its original estimate due to changes in the scope of work.
According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the project was scheduled for completion by February 19, but was finished ahead of time.
Improved Traffic Flow on Key Arteries
The 1.1-kilometre-long flyover, built at the junction of GT Road and Islamabad Expressway, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow for commuters entering and exiting the capital.
Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said the expressway had now become signal-free from Faisal Mosque to GT Road, adding that the construction quality of the flyover met required standards.
He commended Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, contractors and project teams for the timely completion of the project.
Praise for Road Projects and Anti-Encroachment Drive
The prime minister also lauded the interior minister for launching multiple road infrastructure projects over the past one and a half years, calling them beneficial for both the public and transporters.
He further praised the performance of Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation Chief Officer Dr Anam Fatima, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf, and SP Operations Qazi Ali Raza for their role in anti-encroachment operations, including the demolition of Muslim Colony near the Diplomatic Enclave.
Encroachments, he said, were a chronic issue that hindered urban planning if not addressed in a timely manner.
Vision 2027 and Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said cost-effectiveness, quality and timely execution were the core objectives of the flyover project and confirmed that all targets had been achieved.
He announced the construction of service roads along Islamabad Expressway to manage light traffic, noting that existing service roads from Faizabad to Koral Chowk were in poor condition.
Naqvi also informed the prime minister that the Shaheen Chowk underpass was nearing completion and would soon be inaugurated.
Announcing Islamabad Vision 2027, the interior minister said the two-year initiative aimed to transform the capital, with officials indicating that multiple large-scale development projects were planned under the programme.
Water Shortage to Be Addressed
The interior minister also announced steps to tackle Islamabad’s growing water crisis, assuring local MNAs that their concerns would be addressed on a priority basis. A dedicated task force, he said, was already working on the issue.
Islamabad currently receives about 70 million gallons per day (MGD) against an actual demand of more than 280 MGD, with supplies sourced from Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam and tubewells. The rural population largely depends on bore water and small-scale schemes.
Official documents show a water supply gap exceeding 175 MGD, factoring in demand and distribution losses. Previous proposals, including Chinot Dam, Shahdara Dam and the Ghazi Barotha project, were announced but not implemented.
Ceremony Attendance
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior officials and lawmakers, including Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, State Minister Talal Chaudhry, and other parliamentarians and government officials.