Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Lays Foundation Stone of Shaheen Chowk Underpass Project

Date: Oct 27, 2025

Islamabad:26 October, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Margalla Road Underpass Project at Khayaban-i-Iqbal (Margalla Road) and 9th Avenue, marking another significant milestone towards improving Islamabad’s road infrastructure and traffic management system. The project includes the construction of an underpass at the junction of Khayaban-i-Iqbal and 9th Avenue, where traffic on Margalla Road will pass through the underpass, while the top slab will connect 9th Avenue with the adjoining service roads. This initiative aims to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity between major arteries of the Capital. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister appreciated Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and the entire CDA team for launching a series of new road and infrastructure projects to address traffic congestion issues in the Federal Capital. The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the Interior Minister and CDA team for their dedication and commitment, stating that several projects have already been completed, contributing not only to resolving traffic issues but also to enhancing the beauty and modern outlook of Islamabad. The Prime Minister directed the CDA and the Ministry of Interior to ensure the early commencement of construction work on the new Convention Centre, to be built adjacent to the existing Jinnah Convention Centre, which will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Conference 2027. He further emphasized the importance of constructing new hotels in Islamabad to facilitate international delegations attending the conference. Although the Prime Minister did not elaborate on details, a CDA official informed that the Authority is actively working to initiate construction of five-star hotels on CDA plots located in Sector G-5, and discussions with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) have already been held in this regard. Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi said that the CDA will soon start work on the Kashmir Chowk Underpass on Murree Road near the Convention Centre. He also announced that the CDA will begin construction of 11th Avenue, which will start from IJP Road and culminate at Sector E-11. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his previous tenure, had laid the foundation stone of the 11th Avenue Project. A two-kilometer stretch of this road from E-11 to D-12, named Iran Avenue, has already been completed. Sources further informed that during his inspection of ongoing development works, the Prime Minister also granted approval for the construction of a new cricket stadium in Islamabad, aimed at promoting sports and providing modern recreational facilities for citizens. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing Islamabad’s infrastructure, ensuring convenient mobility for citizens, and developing the Capital into a model international city equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.