ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board approved several key decisions, including a waiver of grave digging and funeral bus service charges, to provide relief to Islamabad residents.
The decisions were made during the CDA’s 16th board meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The board approved free services for grave digging and funeral buses to ease the financial burden on families during difficult times. Randhawa also directed officials to arrange more funeral buses for city graveyards.
The meeting decided to take steps to improve the quality of services at Capital Hospital. Proposals were discussed to increase revenue by revising the fee structure for private patients under the Institution-Based Private Practice (IBPP) system.
Randhawa ordered that all revenue generated should be reinvested into the hospital to upgrade facilities. He also instructed authorities to provide modern computers and equipment to digitize the hospital and move towards a fully cashless system.
The CDA internship policy for 2025 was also reviewed. Under this policy, graduates from leading public and private universities across Pakistan will be hired purely on merit to strengthen the CDA workforce with skilled professionals.
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The board approved land allocation for an Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) office near New Islamabad International Airport and for the construction of a new police station.
It was also decided to forward a proposal to the federal government to name the Service Road (East) in Sector F-10 after national athlete Arshad Nadeem.
The CDA approved a lease agreement with the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) for the use of Islamabad’s municipal landfill site. RWMC’s services will also be extended for transporting solid waste from transfer stations in I-9, I-11, and other locations to the dumping ground at Chak Beli Khan Road, Rawalpindi.
The board approved the upgradation of CDA statistical assistant posts in grades 15 and 16, in accordance with Finance Division rules.
Chairman Randhawa stressed transparency and accountability in all CDA projects and reaffirmed that Islamabad’s development, beautification, and quality services for citizens are the authority’s top priorities.
Earlier, the CDA had announced plans to construct 100 recharge wells and water tanks to conserve water in Islamabad. It has also made it mandatory for all farmhouses and residential units to build recharge wells to improve groundwater levels.
New Women’s Park at F-9 Park
In another development, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from firms to develop, operate, and maintain a dedicated women’s park at F-9 Park, Islamabad.
The project will be carried out under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) using a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. The proposed park will include walking and jogging tracks, fitness zones, children’s play areas, cafés, wellness centers, and secure boundary fencing.
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According to MCI, the initiative aims to create a safe and modern space for women to engage in recreational, fitness, and social activities.
National and international companies, developers, and investors with experience in recreational, hospitality, or public facility projects can apply. The selected firm will be responsible for design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the park for a set concession period.
The bidding process is expected to follow a Single Stage Two Envelope system, where applicants must submit their company profile, technical and financial credentials, and other required documents.
MCI has urged stakeholders to submit their proposals to the Chief Officer, MCI, during working hours before the given deadline.
Officials said the project is part of efforts to promote sustainable urban development and create gender-inclusive public spaces in Islamabad. They added that this model could become a benchmark for future development projects, combining private investment with public welfare.
Further details, including submission guidelines and project specifications, are available at the MCI office.
