Meet the heroes behind capital makeover

As Islamabad hosted the 23rd Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit this week, a dedicated team of workers and labourers transformed the city into a vibrant spectacle.

Their efforts in decorating, illuminating, and maintaining the city's landscape created a striking backdrop for the prestigious event, capturing the attention of visitors and residents alike.

Behind these impressive transformations were the unsung heroes, labourers who worked relentlessly, often under challenging conditions, to prepare the city for the global summit.

Over the past few weeks, teams of workers, contractors, and planners, hailing from various regions of the country, worked late into the night, sometimes risking their safety amidst peak-hour traffic congestion, to ensure that the capital met the high standards required for the summit.

Amanat Ali, a painter working on footpaths, shared his experience saying "For the past 30 to 40 days, I've been decorating bridges, footpaths, and railings.

It's been a tough job, working around the clock and at dangerous heights, often putting our lives at risk."

Thanks to their hard work, Islamabad's roads and bridges now sparkle with vibrant decorations, colourful lights, and fresh flowers, giving the city a welcoming ambience. Fayaz Hussain, a contractor overseeing the illumination of overhead bridges, praised the team's resilience, "Despite challenging weather and tight deadlines, the workers stayed determined.

Their extended hours and teamwork ensured we met the summit's timeline." Farooq Ahmed, a motorist on the Islamabad Expressway, marvelled at the transformation, "These bridges used to look so dull.

Now, thanks to the SCO event, they look amazing and the whole city shines." Adil Baloch, a site supervisor at the Zero Point Bridge, remarked that the beautification was not just for the summit, it was for the people of Islamabad, "This project is about improving the city's beauty and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens," he said.

Baba Razaq, an elderly worker, highlighted the difficulties of making ends meet with his daily wage of Rs 1,200, "It's tough to cover food and accommodation costs in Islamabad on such low pay, even though some of us earn a bit more based on expertise."

Zara Khan, a resident, expressed her support for the beautification efforts saying "The transformation of Islamabad has been incredible. It not only reflects the city's hospitality and readiness for the summit but also uplifts the everyday experience of citizens.

These improvements-bright lights, painted bridges, and well-maintained roads make the city feel more vibrant and organised.