PM inaugurates fast-tracked uplift project

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed Jinnah Square Murree Road Underpass, a major infrastructure project completed in a record time of just 35 days. The prime minister lauded it as a nationally significant initiative that will ensure smooth and uninterrupted connectivity to the popular tourist destination of Murree.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the dedicated efforts of Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, and their teams for completing the project with remarkable efficiency.

"The completion of this underpass in just over a month marks a milestone in our national infrastructure development," the prime minister said. "It complements our broader vision of a signal-free corridor from Islamabad International Airport to Murree, easing traffic congestion and improving travel time for commuters."

He instructed the administration of the federal capital and the CDA to continue working with increased efficiency and devotion to make Islamabad more beautiful and well-organised.

Spanning approximately 479 meters, the underpass features three traffic lanes designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow. The project is part of an almost nine-kilometre connectivity corridor that, according to the prime minister, will benefit not only the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi but also travellers across the country heading toward Murree.

Reflecting on the project timeline, the prime minister noted that just 35 days ago, he had laid the foundation stone for the underpass, which has now been completed, including associated roadwork and landscaping. He commended the project's contractor, consultants, and all officials involved and urged the interior minister to maintain this momentum for future development initiatives.

In a separate address during the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the nation on the Armed Forces of Pakistan's strategic and courageous response that, in his words, dealt a "crushing defeat" to Indian forces. "This achievement reflects the unity of the nation and the blessings of Almighty Allah," he remarked.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi briefed the prime minister on the project's technical details and praised the collective efforts of the CDA, Islamabad Police, and NESPAK. He also revealed that design work for the Shaheen Chowk Underpass is underway, along with plans for a new Safari Park and a chairlift project.

The inauguration was attended by federal ministers Hanif Abbasi and Dr Tariq Fazl Chaudhary, Ministers of State Talal Chaudhary and Talha Burki, and other parliamentarians.