A vision for a modern, global Islamabad

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s detailed review of Islamabad’s development projects marks an important step toward reshaping the federal capital into a truly modern, internationally competitive city. His approval for the construction of a new convention hall adjacent to the Jinnah Convention Centre – particularly ahead of Pakistan’s hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in 2027 – reflects a forward-looking approach that links urban development with diplomatic readiness and economic opportunity.
Islamabad, as the political and administrative heart of Pakistan, represents the nation’s image before the world. Its infrastructure, aesthetics, and facilities must therefore mirror Pakistan’s aspirations for progress, stability, and openness. The decision to build a new, state-of-the-art convention facility capable of accommodating high-level international events is both timely and strategic. The existing Jinnah Convention Centre, though historically significant, has long required expansion and modernization to meet the needs of today’s global conference standards.
Minister Naqvi’s insistence on engaging leading local and international architects is a welcome move. In the past, several government-led projects have suffered from poor design choices, lack of coordination, and bureaucratic delays that compromised both function and form. If executed transparently and professionally, the new convention hall can become an architectural landmark – a symbol of Pakistan’s readiness to engage with the international community on equal footing. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a globally connected capital and sends a strong message that Pakistan is preparing to host world leaders with confidence and competence.
Equally significant is the Minister’s directive to prepare a comprehensive plan for the commercialization of the Islamabad Expressway. For decades, the city’s development has struggled to balance its serene character with economic vitality. Islamabad’s original master plan envisioned a green, organized, and low-density capital – a vision that has eroded over time due to unplanned growth, illegal constructions, and inadequate commercial infrastructure. Thoughtful commercialization, if guided by strict planning regulations, can revitalize the capital’s economy without undermining its beauty or livability. Proper zoning, architectural uniformity, and environmental safeguards must remain non-negotiable in this process.
Minister Naqvi’s focus on completing essential civic and security infrastructure also deserves recognition. The order to complete six under-construction police stations within 45 days and the issuance of tenders for ten more indicates an emphasis on law enforcement modernization. A growing capital requires not just roads and buildings, but also secure, efficient, and people-friendly policing. Similarly, progress on the new block of Parliament Lodges and the nearing completion of the R-Block restoration at the Pak Secretariat suggest that administrative infrastructure – often neglected in development discourse – is finally receiving due attention.
The CDA Chairman’s report on key infrastructure projects such as the T-Chowk Flyover and the upcoming Shaheen Chowk initiative points toward continuity in Islamabad’s urban expansion. However, these projects must prioritize sustainability and long-term efficiency. Islamabad’s roads cannot simply multiply without a coherent traffic management system and public transport integration. Flyovers ease congestion temporarily, but without a modern mass transit network and intelligent traffic systems, congestion will reappear elsewhere. A modern capital must think beyond asphalt and concrete – it must plan for mobility, safety, and environmental balance.
Yet, optimism must be tempered with caution. Pakistan’s development history is littered with ambitious projects that began with enthusiasm and ended in bureaucratic stagnation. Transparency, merit-based procurement, and regular public accountability must underpin every initiative. The construction of a major facility like the new convention hall should not be reduced to a race against time for international optics; rather, it must be an exercise in quality, design excellence, and fiscal prudence.
Minister Naqvi’s hands-on approach and focus on deadlines reflect an encouraging shift from the inertia that often plagues public institutions. However, sustained oversight will be essential. Too many projects in Islamabad have been delayed or compromised due to lack of follow-up once initial momentum fades. Regular progress reviews, inter-agency coordination, and professional project management must ensure that this vision of modernization translates into reality rather than rhetoric.
Ultimately, Islamabad’s transformation is not just about physical development; it is about redefining how Pakistan’s capital reflects its national character – organized, open, and forward-looking. The new convention hall, improved expressway, better policing infrastructure, and restoration of key government buildings together form a blueprint for a city ready to host global events and serve its citizens with efficiency and pride.
If the current pace and commitment are maintained, Islamabad could emerge by 2027 not only as a political capital but as a symbol of a resurgent Pakistan – a city that balances tradition with innovation, hospitality with security, and national identity with international engagement. The real test will lie in execution, but for now, the intent is both clear and commendable.