ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to ensure that all ongoing projects were completed on time without compromising on quality.

Chairing a meeting held to review projects, Prime Minister Sharif received a briefing from CDA Chairman Noorul Amin Mengal and directors general of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and National Logistic Cell (NLC) about the ongoing mega schemes in Islamabad.

Both state-run construction companies have been executing several projects in Islamabad, including Bhara Kahu bypass, expressway expansion, Margalla Avenue, 10th Avenue as well as construction of road from D-12 to E-11. The CDA has also started two more mega projects — 11th Avenue and a new road from Margalla Avenue to Motorway-I.

The prime minister said all ongoing development works should be completed within the stipulated timeline and directed the CDA chairman to personally monitor progress of all projects and ensure quality work.

According to a press release, PM Sharif said there would be zero tolerance against delay in any development work, adding that there would be no compromise on quality of work.

It is relevant to note here that during inauguration of Karnal Sher Khan Avenue, the CDA chairman had assured Prime Minister Sharif that most of the ongoing works would be completed by July 30.

Meanwhile, the CDA officials said all out efforts were being made to complete the ongoing work on Bhara Kahu bypass — a pet project of the incumbent government by July 30.

Similarly, a portion of the expressway – from Korang bridge to PWD stop — would also be completed by July 30. However, they said the overall expressway’s expansion from PWD to G.T. Road, which was a major project, would likely be completed next year. After completion of this project, motorists would heave a sigh of relief as they had been facing difficulties on these busy roads for years.

On the other hand, efforts were afoot for early completion of another ongoing road project –5.5km road from D-12 to E-11 – by July 30, but officials believed that there was still substantial scope of work remaining, which would only be completed somewhere in September.

“Work is in progress with full pace and we are trying to get this project completed in the next two months,” a CDA official said.

Meanwhile, the press release said besides others, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, former MNA Hanif Abbasi, Adviser to Prime Minister Ahad Cheema, directors general NLC and FWO and officials of CDA attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2023