CDA removes sculpture after backlash over suggestive design

Spokesperson says private company responsible for installing sculpture had not obtained approval for design

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ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) removed a recently installed sculpture in Islamabad after it drew sharp criticism on social media for being ambiguous and suggestive.

The monument, featuring two golden hands holding spheres, had been installed at a roundabout in Sector D-12 along Iran Avenue. The design quickly became the subject of mockery and debate online, with many calling it "inappropriate" and questioning its meaning.

سوشل میڈیا پر تنقید کا نشانہ بننے کے بعد سی ڈی اے نے مجسمہ ہٹانے کا فیصلہ کر لیا ہے۔ ٹیم موقع پر موجود ہے اور مجسمے کو ہٹایا جا رہا ہے۔ لیکن سوال یہ پیدا ہوتا ہے کہ کیا سی ڈی اے اتنی نااہل ہے کہ بغیر منظوری کے ماڈلز نصب کر دیے جاتے ہیں، اور ادارے کو خبر تک نہیں ہوتی ؟ pic.twitter.com/lHHwPEMR7D

— Mehwish Qamas Khan (@MehwishQamas) July 14, 2025

Within hours of the criticism going viral, CDA directed the removal of the monument. Heavy machinery was brought in to dismantle one structure, while the other was covered with a cloth pending removal.

According to a CDA spokesperson, the private company responsible for installing the sculpture had not obtained official approval for the design. "The design was not approved by the relevant authorities, and therefore, instructions were issued for its removal," the spokesperson said.