ISLAMABAD, October 11, 2026: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is developing three modern sports arenas in Islamabad as part of a broader programme to improve the federal capital’s infrastructure, recreational facilities and green spaces.
The initiative, being undertaken under the direction of Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and the supervision of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, aims to expand sporting opportunities for young people while supporting the city’s long-term urban development.
According to a statement issued by the civic authority, the planned sports arenas have received positive feedback from citizens, who have welcomed efforts to provide modern facilities for physical fitness, recreation and competitive sports.
The projects form part of a wider development agenda covering road infrastructure, traffic management, public parks, environmental protection, municipal services and the recovery of encroached government land.
Three Sports Arenas to Expand Facilities for Islamabad Youth
The establishment of three modern sports arenas is among CDA’s key initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles and strengthen sports infrastructure across Islamabad.
The authority said the facilities are intended to provide residents, particularly young people, with improved opportunities to participate in sporting activities, develop their skills and pursue emerging athletic talent.
CDA expects the projects to encourage greater community participation in sports while addressing the growing demand for accessible recreational facilities in the capital.
Although the authority has outlined plans for modern sports infrastructure, specific locations, completion dates and the sports to be accommodated at the proposed arenas were not detailed in the statement.
Kashmir Chowk Underpass Among Major Infrastructure Projects
Alongside the sports development programme, CDA is accelerating several road and infrastructure projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
One of the major ongoing schemes is the Kashmir Chowk Underpass, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs1.4 billion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of the project and praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf and the authority’s teams for setting an ambitious one-month completion target.
The project is expected to improve traffic movement at a busy junction and provide smoother connections for commuters travelling between the twin cities.
CDA said the timely execution of infrastructure projects remains a priority, with particular attention being given to construction standards and public safety.
Road Upgrades Aim to Ease Traffic Congestion
The civic authority also highlighted the completion of several road improvement projects, including underpasses at Margalla Road and Ninth Avenue.
According to CDA, the Shaheen Chowk and Faisal Avenue underpass projects have also contributed to improved connectivity between residential and commercial areas.
Road resurfacing and pedestrian pathway improvements have been carried out in several F-series and G-series sectors, as well as the Blue Area commercial district.
Meanwhile, work is progressing on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East and infrastructure improvements within the Diplomatic Enclave.
These projects are intended to improve mobility, strengthen road connectivity and provide better facilities for residents, businesses and diplomatic missions.
CDA Recovers Over 1,000 Kanals of Public Land in Sector E-12
In another major development, CDA reported recovering more than 1,000 kanals of government land in Islamabad’s Sector E-12 following operations against longstanding encroachments.
The authority estimated the value of the recovered property at billions of rupees.
According to CDA, the land had remained under encroachment for decades, restricting development activities in the sector.
Its recovery is expected to facilitate future construction and infrastructure development in accordance with Islamabad’s approved master plan.
The authority said efforts to protect public property and remove illegal encroachments would continue in accordance with the law.
F-9 Park, Lake View Park and Daman-e-Koh Set for Improvements
Environmental protection and the preservation of Islamabad’s green character remain central to CDA’s development strategy.
The authority is undertaking improvement initiatives at major recreational destinations, including F-9 Park, Lake View Park and Daman-e-Koh.
These measures are being accompanied by plantation drives and efforts to protect public spaces from illegal encroachments.
CDA said it is seeking to balance infrastructure expansion with environmental conservation as Islamabad continues to grow.
The authority is also focusing on improved water supply, solid waste management and the maintenance of municipal facilities to enhance living conditions across the capital.
Islamabad Development Projects Expected to Support Economic Activity
Beyond improving public infrastructure, CDA expects its development programme to contribute to economic activity by reducing travel delays and improving access to commercial areas.
Better road connectivity and modern municipal services could help businesses operate more efficiently while making daily travel easier for residents.
The authority said its broader objective is to develop Islamabad into a modern, environmentally sustainable and economically active capital.
Under the policy direction of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the supervision of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, the civic agency says it is prioritising efficient use of development funds, improved public services and the timely completion of infrastructure schemes.
The planned sports arenas, road projects, public land recovery operations and improvements to recreational spaces are intended to deliver long-term benefits to Islamabad’s growing population.
However, the pace of implementation and the eventual impact of these projects will depend on their completion, accessibility and continued maintenance.