Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to undertake the construction of Islamabad's long-awaited 11th Avenue project in two phases, prioritising a 3.5-kilometre section between the E-11 Interchange and Srinagar Highway as part of a broader Rs 24.5 billion road infrastructure development initiative aimed at improving traffic circulation and connectivity across the federal capital.
The decision represents a revised implementation strategy for the proposed 7.5-kilometre road corridor, which will connect Margalla Avenue with IJP Road and provide an additional transportation route for motorists travelling between different residential, commercial and administrative areas of Islamabad.
According to available details, the CDA's Departmental Working Party (DWP) has already approved the project's PC-I at an estimated cost of Rs 24.5 billion, paving the way for the development of one of the capital's major planned road infrastructure schemes.
The proposed 11th Avenue will feature three traffic lanes in each direction, providing a six-lane corridor designed to accommodate growing traffic volumes and improve road connectivity.
The complete project also envisages the construction of approximately 17 bridges and overpasses at different locations along the route to facilitate uninterrupted traffic movement and improve connectivity with the existing road network.
Initially, the CDA had planned to execute the entire project under a single construction programme, with officials indicating a completion target of approximately one year.
However, following a recent review of the project's implementation arrangements, the civic authority has decided to divide the construction work into two phases, allowing development activities to begin on the section identified as the immediate priority.
Under the revised plan, the first phase will cover approximately 3.5 kilometres between the E-11 Interchange and Srinagar Highway.
This phase will also include the construction of an interchange on Srinagar Highway, which is expected to play an important role in integrating the proposed 11th Avenue with Islamabad's existing major road corridors.
A CDA engineer confirmed that the decision to implement the project in two phases had been taken during a recent meeting, adding that the authority was currently undertaking the necessary pre-tendering preparations.
According to the official, the CDA expects to formally initiate the first phase within the next two months, subject to the completion of the required procurement and administrative procedures.
The engineer explained that the initial section would establish a road connection between Srinagar Highway and Margalla Avenue, providing motorists with an additional route and helping distribute traffic between the two important transport corridors.
The proposed connection is expected to improve accessibility for residents of E-11 and surrounding sectors while offering alternative travel options for commuters using Srinagar Highway and Margalla Avenue.
Regarding the financial requirements, the CDA engineer estimated that the first phase could cost between Rs 11 billion and Rs 12 billion, including the proposed interchange on Srinagar Highway.
However, the official clarified that this estimate remained provisional, as the authority was still preparing a detailed assessment of the construction costs and associated infrastructure requirements.
The final financial allocation for the first phase will therefore depend on the completion of the detailed cost assessment and other relevant project planning procedures.
The remaining portion of the 11th Avenue corridor is expected to be developed during the second phase, completing the planned connection between Margalla Avenue and IJP Road.
Once fully constructed, the road is expected to provide an additional north-south transportation corridor in Islamabad, potentially reducing pressure on existing routes and improving movement between the capital's residential sectors and surrounding road networks.
The project could also support accessibility to residential and commercial developments situated near the proposed alignment, particularly in areas connected with E-11, Margalla Avenue and Srinagar Highway.
Improved road access and better distribution of traffic may contribute to the development potential of adjoining neighbourhoods, although the extent of these benefits will depend on the project's eventual completion and integration with the wider transport network.
The 11th Avenue project has remained under consideration for several years despite its anticipated importance for Islamabad's expanding road infrastructure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone for the project in June 2023 during his earlier tenure in office. However, construction activities did not commence following the ceremony, leaving the planned corridor awaiting implementation.
The latest decision to divide the project into two phases is intended to facilitate the commencement of construction on the priority section rather than waiting for the simultaneous execution of the entire 7.5-kilometre corridor.
Although the CDA had initially indicated a one-year completion target for the overall scheme, a revised construction schedule for both phases has not yet been confirmed.
The progress of the project will now depend on the completion of pre-tendering formalities, finalisation of detailed engineering and financial assessments, procurement arrangements and mobilisation of construction resources.
The proposed development forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Islamabad's urban road infrastructure and address transportation requirements arising from the continued expansion of residential and commercial activity in the federal capital.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

The federal cabinet has approved the reconstitution of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for a three year term, with the government issuing a formal notification for the appointment of six official and 15 non official members representing different provinces and religious communities across Pakistan.

The newly constituted board includes representatives from the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim communities, reflecting efforts to ensure broader participation in the management and oversight of evacuee trust properties, religious heritage sites and related administrative matters.

According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the board has been reconstituted for three years under the relevant provisions of the Evacuee Trust Properties (Management and Disposal) Act, 1975.

The legislation provides the legal framework for the administration, management and disposal of evacuee trust properties and empowers the federal government to constitute the board and appoint its members.

Of the 15 non official members appointed to the board, six belong to the Sikh community, four represent the Hindu community and five are from the Muslim community.

The Sikh representatives include Sardar Tara Singh from Sindh, Dr. Mampal Singh from Punjab, Manmeet Kaur Mishal from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inderjit Singh from Punjab, Sardar Surjit Singh Kanwal from Punjab and Satwant Kaur from Punjab.

Representatives from the Hindu community include Krishna Sharma from Sindh, Dr. Sawera Parkash from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ajay Kumar from Sindh and Leela Ilyas Kalpana from Sindh.

The Muslim representatives appointed as non-official members include Izharul Hassan from Punjab, retired Brigadier Khalid Siddique, former Member of the Provincial Assembly Ikhtiar Wali Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Advocate Ali Raza from Punjab and Meesaq Arif from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The six official positions include representation from the federal government and provincial administrations, providing an institutional mechanism for coordination on matters relating to evacuee trust properties and their management.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board operates under the administrative control of the federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and is responsible for managing properties associated with religious, charitable and educational trusts.

The organisation also oversees numerous historic religious sites, including Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples, and plays an important role in preserving religious heritage across the country.

Established in 1960, the ETPB operates under the Evacuee Trust Properties (Management and Disposal) Act, 1975, which provides the principal legal framework governing its functions and responsibilities.

The board manages various categories of urban and agricultural properties, including land and buildings associated with charitable, religious and educational institutions.

Its responsibilities include property administration, leasing arrangements, rent collection, management of trust assets and measures relating to the recovery of properties from illegal occupation.

In addition to its property management responsibilities, the ETPB is involved in the maintenance and restoration of religious heritage sites and coordination of arrangements for Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visiting Pakistan.

The inclusion of representatives from different religious communities and provinces in the reconstituted board is expected to provide opportunities for wider consultation on issues concerning minority religious heritage, property administration and institutional governance.

The newly appointed members will serve for a three-year period under the notified arrangements.

The reconstituted board will be responsible for carrying out its statutory functions relating to the management and oversight of evacuee trust properties.

Among the important areas of institutional responsibility are effective property management, protection of religious heritage, maintenance of property records and transparency in the administration of trust assets.

The federal cabinet's approval marks a significant administrative development for the ETPB, establishing a renewed board structure with participation from government representatives and members of different religious communities.

The new composition provides a framework for institutional coordination and stakeholder representation in the management of Pakistan's evacuee trust properties and associated religious heritage assets.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, food security, minerals, information technology, healthcare, education and manpower development, as both countries seek to expand economic engagement and translate their longstanding diplomatic relations into tangible economic benefits.

The agreements were reached during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission held in Islamabad, jointly chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two foreign ministers signed the protocol recording the minutes and understandings reached during the commission's third session, covering several areas of economic, commercial and institutional cooperation.

A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a government-level Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment, which will serve as a formal mechanism for regular consultations, coordination and cooperation between the two countries.

The working group is expected to facilitate closer institutional engagement, identify opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and support efforts to promote investment across mutually beneficial sectors.

The two countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in oil, gas and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, maritime affairs, telecommunications, information technology, healthcare, education and labour.

Discussions further covered industrial cooperation, skills development, higher education, logistics and maritime connectivity, reflecting efforts to broaden the scope of economic relations between Pakistan and Bahrain.

Addressing a joint news conference with his Bahraini counterpart following the ministerial commission meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the two countries had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and converting their longstanding fraternal relations into meaningful economic outcomes.

He said Pakistan and Bahrain had agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment promotion, industrial development, agriculture, food security, skills training, higher education, information technology, logistics and maritime affairs.

Dar described the operationalisation of joint working groups as an important outcome of the meeting, saying these institutional arrangements would facilitate regular engagement and effective implementation of decisions taken by the Joint Ministerial Commission.

He welcomed closer interaction between the business communities of the two countries and emphasised the role of private sector engagement in strengthening trade and investment relations.

The deputy prime minister also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community living and working in Bahrain, describing overseas Pakistanis as an important bridge connecting the two countries.

He said both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development, with a focus on creating additional opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said relations between Pakistan and Bahrain were founded on mutual trust, sincerity and longstanding friendship.

He said both countries were now focused on translating their strong diplomatic and political ties into practical economic results while exploring additional opportunities for cooperation.

The Bahraini foreign minister confirmed that the two sides had agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment and convene a separate working group meeting on energy next month to discuss cooperation in oil, gas and minerals.

He also highlighted plans to strengthen cooperation in food security, information technology, law enforcement, media, labour mobility, healthcare, education, culture and sports.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to finalising the proposed Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is expected to provide an institutional framework for broader trade and economic engagement.

Al Zayani said Bahrain was working to accelerate the necessary approval process for the proposed trade agreement.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the evolving security situation in the Gulf and the importance of maintaining safe and uninterrupted navigation through strategically significant maritime routes.

Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to promoting regional peace and stability through diplomatic engagement, dialogue and efforts to reduce tensions.

During his official visit, the Bahraini foreign minister separately met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation, trade, investment, defence collaboration and developments affecting regional security.