Interior Minister bans purchase of petrol motorcycles in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced a bold initiative to ban the purchase of petrol-powered motorcycles in Islamabad, signaling a shift towards environmental sustainability.

As per the details, the decision was made during a crucial meeting chaired by Minister Naqvi at the Capital Development Authority (CDA), where progress on various development projects was also reviewed.

Projects such as Curry Enclave, Federal Secretariat building renovations, Diplomatic Enclave enhancements, and Smart Parking initiatives were among those discussed, with Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa providing detailed updates.

In a bid to elevate Islamabad to international standards, Minister Naqvi emphasized the adoption of electric bikes and eco-friendly buses to curb pollution. Plans were also outlined to transfer emergency services from the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) to CDA for enhanced efficiency and service delivery.

Furthermore, the establishment of Capital Wasa, aimed at resolving water-related issues, is slated to commence soon. Minister Naqvi underscored the importance of expediting infrastructure projects, including the Sarina Chowk Underpass and F Nine Park Chowk flyover, alongside efforts to finalize the long-awaited expressway.

Addressing longstanding grievances, Minister Naqvi highlighted the accelerated progress on the Islamabad Model Jail after years of stagnation, with the first phase nearing completion. Business Facilitation Centers and the allotment of land for a Health Tower in Sector H-sixteen were also announced to streamline investor services and healthcare facilities.

Praising the record tax collection by CDA, Minister Naqvi stressed the need for strategic investments to bolster institutional assets beyond land sales. He instructed CDA to present an investment plan within seven days to further augment developmental efforts.

The meeting, attended by Chairman CDA Mohammad Ali Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon, and other key officials, marks a pivotal step towards transforming Islamabad into a modern, sustainable city, setting a precedent for urban development across Pakistan.