Islamabad, the beautiful

Islamabad was probably the most beautiful city of Pakistan. Unfortunately due to the inefficiency, negligence and lack of civic sense of the residents it has deteriorated. Part of the blame for this deterioration has to be taken by its residents. However, the major blame for the deterioration of the roads and lighting and civic facilities must go to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) who up till very recently were solely responsible for its development and maintenance. The newly elected mayor and local government who will now take on a major portion of these responsibilities have not yet been allocated funds and staff because the CDA is dragging its feet on this division of responsibility.

The local government is still struggling to take over complete charge. The new mayor seems to be keen to show some results but he has to fight the CDA. In order to make Islamabad a really beautiful, clean, well maintained capital the CDA, city government, capital administration and IESCO have to make coordinated efforts under the supervision of the minister of state for CADD. That said, it must be pointed out some of the sectors of Islamabad where the VVIPS and heads of executive and judiciary reside and work are clean and well-maintained. Beyond sectors F5, F6 and 7, the further you go the worse it becomes. The only solution to the problems of Islamabad is that the PM should take a direct interest in its maintenance like his younger brother is doing in Lahore. With the change of command in the CDA and induction of the new mayor the hopes of the residents have been raised to some extent.

Zaheer Ahmed

Islamabad