Islamabad's Jinnah Square underpass completed in record 72 days

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated the Jinnah Square underpass project, which was completed in a record 72 days.

The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, save time and fuel, and reduce environmental pollution in the capital city. The underpasses, located at key junctions including Khayaban-e-Soharwardy, Srinagar Highway, and Club Road, are expected to significantly ease traffic flow.

During the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz expressed his vision of making Islamabad a model of beauty for the entire country.

He emphasised that the completion of the Jinnah Square project, which includes three underpasses and a total road length of 14 kilometres, will not only save commuter’s time and fuel but also reduce the environmental pollution caused by traffic jams.

The PM commended the efforts of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for completing the project at an unprecedented pace, noting that he had transformed the Punjab speed into "Mohsin speed" in completing the work.

He further directed the Interior Minister and the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to expedite the completion of other ongoing projects with the same efficiency.

He also instructed that all Islamabad projects be completed promptly, adding that the city’s beauty should be enhanced. He recommended incorporating beautiful designs on the walls of the Jinnah Square underpasses and carrying out landscaping, similar to the underpasses in Lahore.

PM Shehbaz emphasised that such initiatives are crucial for transforming nations and driving progress. Earlier, the PM unveiled a plaque to officially launch the project. Naqvi, in his speech at the ceremony, praised the CDA for its hard work and the tireless efforts of the team on-site.

He mentioned that during excavation, a large rock had been encountered, which delayed the project by several days. However, despite the challenges, the project was completed ahead of schedule.

He further announced that more projects would soon be launched in Islamabad, including the opening of the F-9 flyover. The chairman of the CDA briefed the PM, explaining that the project, initially scheduled to take 120 days, was completed in just 72 days.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Naqvi, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, members of the National Assembly, the CDA chairman, Chief Commissioner, and other senior officials.