ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will host the next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in 2027. He directed immediate preparations for the summit, emphasizing the importance of constructing new accommodations and beautifying Islamabad ahead of the international event.
The announcement came after the prime minister performed the groundbreaking of the T-Chowk Flyover Project at Islamabad Expressway. He called the project a milestone for the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, highlighting its significance for the region. The project, with a total cost of Rs 1,495 million, is expected to be completed by February 2026.
PM Shehbaz ordered authorities to ensure the highest quality standards throughout construction, stressing no compromises on quality and a swift completion. He also mentioned the ongoing beautification efforts in Islamabad, including plantation initiatives supported by a gift of saplings from Tajikistan.
In addition to the flyover, the government is planning a rail car project for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which PM Shehbaz called a potential “great gift” for the local residents. He urged the relevant authorities to begin work on the rail car project without delay.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the collaborative efforts of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak), and other stakeholders in completing the Islamabad Expressway project. The T-Chowk junction, which handles heavy traffic daily, is expected to benefit greatly from the new flyover, which will facilitate approximately 41,572 vehicles per day.
The project includes the construction of a flyover 1.034 km long and 11.30 meters wide, along with streetlights and horticulture development to improve the area’s aesthetics. The government has tasked special teams with monitoring the project’s quality to ensure it meets the set standards.
