ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed on Friday that Pakistan would host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in 2027, directing the city administration to start preparations well in advance.
Speaking at the inauguration of the T-Chowk flyover project, the PM said the preparations include construction of new accommodations and beautification of the capital. He mentioned that Tajikistan has gifted saplings, and the CDA and other teams are working on plantation efforts.
PM Shehbaz said the T-Chowk flyover project would be a landmark development for the residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and their surrounding areas.
He noted that the proposed Rail Car project would further facilitate travel for inhabitants of the twin cities, adding the government would ensure high quality of developmental projects.
The premier said that the one-kilometre-long flyover at the junction of T-Road and Islamabad Express Highway would significantly ease traffic between the twin cities and neighbouring areas.
At the ceremony, Interior Minister Naqvi said that the T-Chowk flyover would be completed within 150 days, with the highest quality standards guaranteed.
During a briefing, the premier was informed that the project would cost Rs1.495 billion and is expected to ease daily traffic for 41,572 vehicles.
The project officially starts on Friday and is expected to be completed by February 9, 2026. The project is being constructed on existing available land with no need for land acquisition and is financed through self-financing by the CDA.
The project at the Islamabad Expressway was already completed, but it was decided that the formal inauguration would be held once the final segment (T-Chowk Flyover) was done, the minister noted.
He commended the Capital Development Authority (CDA), NESPAK, and other relevant stakeholders for designing the T-Chowk Flyover Project in a way that no additional land acquisition was required, saving Rs7billion in the process.
