Manzar Naqvi
KARACHI: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized that the swift and quality completion of major development projects in the federal capital would ease traffic congestion, enhance citizens’ convenience, and project a modern image of Pakistan to the world ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Shaheen Chowk Underpass, the prime minister said that infrastructure development in Islamabad is not just about construction but about “creating a well-planned, efficient, and vibrant city that reflects Pakistan’s progress and ambition.” He noted that easing traffic flow on major arteries would save time, reduce fuel costs, and improve the overall quality of urban life.
PM Shehbaz commended the Ministry of Interior and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for accelerating work on key projects and urged them to ensure timely completion. “With the fast-paced completion of these projects, we are not only improving public convenience but also showcasing Islamabad and Pakistan as a well-planned, modern, and vibrant city,” he said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while addressing the ceremony, said the underpass would help alleviate traffic pressure on Margalla Road and improve urban mobility. He added that work on 11th Avenue was already underway and that other major infrastructure projects, including the Kashmir Chowk Underpass, would soon follow.
The minister further said that, in view of the upcoming SCO Summit, Islamabad was being developed in line with international standards and that efforts were being made to make the capital one of the region’s most modern and beautiful cities within a year.
Senior federal ministers, parliamentarians, and CDA officials attended the event. The Shaheen Chowk Underpass project is part of a broader infrastructure and beautification drive aimed at modernizing Islamabad’s transport system and enhancing the city’s global image as Pakistan prepares to host a major international gathering.
 Summit.Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Shaheen Chowk Underpass){kind=link}