ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday marked the 65th anniversary of Islamabad’s Master Plan with a pledge to revive the city’s founding 1960 vision — one rooted in sustainability, planning excellence, and innovation — as part of World Cities Day 2025 celebrations.
Speaking at the commemorative event held at the Gandhara Auditorium, CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the authority was committed to transforming Islamabad into a modern, model city by embracing advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
“We are going back to the 1960 vision in letter and spirit to make Islamabad a Model City,” he said.
“It is high time we apply the best possible technologies for better resolution of city issues.”
Chairman Randhawa said the CDA would focus on areas including water management, solid waste, housing, and central business districts, with policy reforms aimed at achieving long-term urban resilience.
He noted that internationally reputed firms were already working with CDA to reorganise the Master Plan, while major new projects — including a world-class Expo Centre, a seven-star hotel, and a cricket stadium — were in the pipeline. “All projects are being carried out after detailed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA),” he added.
Highlighting efforts to tackle land-related challenges, the Chairman said the authority was collaborating with SUPARCO to use satellite mapping and digital tools for effective land management.
He said CDA was now ready to deliver long-delayed residential sectors — C-14, C-15, C-16, I-12, E-12, E-13, D-13, and F-13 — along with the Margalla Enclave Project, being developed in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).
Applauding various wings of the authority, Chairman Randhawa described the planning has always been Islamabad’s strength. Let’s celebrate the beauty of this city — our shared pride and home,” he said, echoing the event’s theme, “Let’s Celebrate the Beauty of Islamabad.”
Finance Wing as the “backbone of CDA” for ensuring timely project completion and praised the Engineering Wing for its “marvellous performance.”
Inspector General of Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi lauded the CDA’s planning efforts, saying Islamabad reflected Pakistan’s unity and diversity.
“Security is our strength. Islamabad is among the safest and most beautiful capitals in the world, where serenity, greenery and order coexist,” he said.
He added that the Islamabad Police were modernising operations through digitisation, including police stations on wheels and enhanced surveillance under the Safe City Project, to ensure citizens’ safety and trust.
Jawad Ali Khan, Senior Adviser to UN-Habitat Pakistan, praised CDA’s commitment to aligning with this year’s World Cities Day theme — “People-Centred Smart Cities.”
“Cities must keep people at their heart and in harmony with nature. Islamabad’s approach aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
Almas Shakoor, Executive Director of Shehersaaz, called for civic engagement and climate-conscious planning. “From ancient cities to modern capitals, resilience comes from citizens’ participation. Let us build not just smart, but truly people-centred cities,” she said.
Senior CDA officials, including DG Water Management Sardar Khan Zimri, DIG Haroon Joiya of the Islamabad Safe City Project, and DG Planning Arshad Chohan, DG Building Control Faisal Naeem also gave presentations on water challenges, urban security, and regeneration initiatives.
Later in the day, celebrations continued with the “Islamabad Sheher Mela”, a community festival organised to commemorate the Master Plan’s 65th anniversary and World Cities Day.
The festival, held at F-9 Park, highlights Islamabad’s evolution as a planned, sustainable and citizen-friendly city, featuring smart innovation displays, electric vehicle (EV) rides, musical performances, a drum circle, children’s entertainment zones, and food courts showcasing local cuisine.
A CDA spokesperson told APP that the festival “is not only about honouring the city’s 65-year planning legacy but also about engaging citizens in shaping its future.”
“We want to showcase how innovation and sustainability can enhance urban living,” the spokesperson said.
Established in 1960 under a Master Plan designed by Greek architect Constantinos A. Doxiadis, Islamabad has earned recognition for its green spaces, modern infrastructure, and harmony between urban growth and natural landscapes.
Officials said the Sheher Mela offers residents a chance to reconnect with their city’s identity while exploring future-forward technologies for sustainable living.
“This event symbolises our collective pride — Islamabad is not just a city, it’s our shared home,” a senior CDA official remarked.
Residents and visitors participated in the festivities under the theme “Our City, Our Pride, Our Home.”
World Cities Day, observed annually on 31 October, promotes awareness of sustainable urbanisation and the importance of inclusive, resilient and people-centred development in cities across the world.