ISLAMABAD, October 21, 2026: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that around 150 housing societies in Islamabad are illegal and authorities are taking action against them.
Speaking to the media during a visit to various areas of the capital, Naqvi said all encroachments on government land would be removed and the land would be reclaimed.
He said a National Heritage Museum was being developed in Islamabad and stressed that action should also be taken against CDA officials who turned a blind eye to illegal occupations.
During his visit to Bharakahu, the minister directed authorities to reclaim 108 kanals of government land. He said three museums, including an Army Museum, would be developed on the recovered land.
Naqvi also announced plans to redevelop Islamabad’s older sectors, including G-6, G-7, G-9 and G-10, while removing encroachments without discrimination.
He said the capital’s electricity distribution system would gradually be shifted underground in collaboration with LESCO, with electricity poles to be removed.
Kashmir Chowk Underpass
Speaking earlier at the Kashmir Chowk underpass, Naqvi said construction had entered its 12th day and significant progress would be achieved over the next 10 days.
He said no road had been closed because of the project and that the underpass would ease traffic between Islamabad and Murree. The facility would be opened immediately after completion, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to inaugurate it.
Naqvi said trees affected by the project had been relocated rather than cut down, adding that records could be checked to determine the number of trees planted in Islamabad over the past two years.
He also said renovation work was under way at F-9 Park and that a park would be developed on reclaimed land near Shah Allah Ditta.
Islamabad Prisoners to Be Shifted to Model Jail
The interior minister said the new model jail would be inaugurated within a few days and that all prisoners from Islamabad currently held at Adiala Jail would subsequently be transferred there.
He also highlighted several initiatives for Islamabad’s youth, including scholarships, laptops and loan programmes.
Naqvi said authorities were also working on a policy for commercial markets, questioning why shopkeepers in different areas should pay the same rent despite significant differences in location and commercial value.
He added that a positive development regarding the Islamabad Cricket Stadium would be announced soon and said Islamabad’s local government elections would be held according to the existing schedule.