ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the Rs 1.45 billion Kashmir Chowk underpass, completed in a record 27 days, as the capital steps up preparations to host major international events next year.
The underpass is expected to ease traffic flow between Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), while improving connectivity at one of the capital’s busiest intersections.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister said the project reflected the government’s commitment to upgrading Islamabad’s infrastructure ahead of next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and other international gatherings scheduled to be held in the capital.
He said the contract had been awarded through the government’s electronic procurement system, known as e-PADS, at a cost around 2.5 percent below the original estimated amount.
Sharif credited Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Capital Development Authority (CDA) for ensuring the project’s timely completion.
He said the government was undertaking a broader initiative to upgrade Islamabad’s roads, traffic infrastructure and public spaces, with the objective of bringing the capital closer to international urban standards while improving its overall appearance and functionality.
Speaking at the ceremony, Interior Minister Naqvi said the project was carried out under third-party and CDA monitoring, with all 6,340 planned trees planted.
He thanked the prime minister for supporting the project and Islamabad’s residents.
According to Naqvi, existing trees were either protected or relocated during construction. Two monuments reflecting Kashmir’s identity were also constructed around the intersection, the prime minister said.
Separately, Naqvi addressed the controversy surrounding an operation at the One Constitution Avenue building, which had drawn criticism.
He said Prime Minister Sharif had advised him to handle the matter calmly and cautiously, assuring him of his full support.
He added that the federal cabinet had approved the joint investigation team (JIT) report on One Constitution Avenue a day earlier.
Naqvi alleged that the land linked to the project had been sold for a nominal amount, adding that it had since been recovered by the CDA.
The minister said the building would be converted into a hotel, with efforts underway to complete the project before the next SCO summit in Islamabad.
He said the government was considering several other major development initiatives, including a proposal to establish what he described as Asia’s largest safari park in Islamabad.
An international consultant had been hired for the proposed project, he said, without sharing further details.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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