ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday chaired a marathon three-hour meeting at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters to review Islamabad’s development projects, with a special focus on preparations for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2027, which Pakistan will host.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha also attended the meeting, which centred on infrastructure upgrades and urban improvements aimed at transforming the capital ahead of the high-profile international event.
In line with the Prime Minister’s directives, detailed consultations were held on the construction of a new convention facility to accommodate large-scale international gatherings. It was decided in principle to build an additional convention hall adjacent to the Jinnah Convention Centre.
Minister Naqvi said the new facility would feature a spacious main hall, multiple conference rooms, and meeting spaces designed to meet international standards, adding that top local and international architects would be engaged to ensure a modern, globally competitive design.
“The SCO Summit presents Pakistan with an opportunity to showcase its capital as a modern, well-organized and welcoming host city,” Naqvi said, emphasizing that the new infrastructure would significantly strengthen the country’s capacity to host global events.
He also directed authorities to accelerate beautification projects, improve city roads, and upgrade public facilities in Islamabad as part of the broader SCO preparation plan.
Reviewing progress on other key initiatives, the Interior Minister ordered the completion of six new police stations within 45 days and called for a comprehensive plan to commercialize the Islamabad Expressway to enhance urban and economic activity.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the meeting that tenders for 10 additional police stations had been issued, work on the new Parliament Lodges block was proceeding as scheduled, and piling for the T-Chowk Flyover had been completed. The foundation stone for Shaheen Chowk will soon be laid, while restoration of the Pak Secretariat’s R-Block is nearing completion.
Senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, CDA members, and representatives of relevant departments, attended the meeting.
