By Ayesha Saba
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially taken over eight ongoing CDA development projects in Islamabad after the government decided to close down the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD).
Officials say this handover is meant to make federal development work more efficient and coordinated. The projects include refurbishing, rehabilitating, and building major government-owned structures and complexes in the capital.
The total revised budget for these projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2024-25 is Rs 1,434.483 million. So far, Rs 860.689 million has been released, while Rs 306 million is retained. Across the schemes, Rs 1,128.483 million has been surrendered, reflecting adjustments made during the fiscal year.
Breakdown of CDA Development Projects in Islamabad
- Refurbishment and Rehabilitation of Government-Owned Buildings in Islamabad: Initially allocated Rs 500 million, later revised to Rs 250 million. Rs 150 million has been released, while Rs 100 million was surrendered.
- Refurbishment of Existing Facilities and Provision of Additional Facilities at the Prime Minister’s Office: Original allocation of Rs 135.130 million remains, with Rs 81 million released and Rs 54 million surrendered.
- Replacement of Old and Unserviceable Elevators at Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat Building: Rs 53.631 million was allocated but the full amount was surrendered.
- Construction of 12 Apartments in Ministers’ Enclave, Islamabad: Budget and revised allocation both at Rs 132.722 million, with Rs 35 million retained for ongoing work.
- Upgradation of Pak-PWD Complex, G-9/1, Islamabad (Revised PC-I): Revised budget of Rs 150 million, with Rs 90 million already released.
- Construction of ITB Office Building in Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad: Allocated Rs 150 million, Rs 90 million released, and Rs 110 million surrendered.
- Construction of Federal Election Academy and Other Offices of the Election Commission of Pakistan: Allocation and revised budget of Rs 400 million, with Rs 240 million released and Rs 400 million surrendered.
Federal Restructuring and Project Transfers
Officials explained that this transfer is part of a broader federal restructuring. All 162 Pak-PWD-executed PSDP projects have been handed over to the relevant agencies: eight to CDA in Islamabad, 48 to the Government of Punjab, 62 to the Government of Balochistan, and 14 to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa departments. Three projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are still under litigation.
Goals of the CDA Project Handover
The goal is to improve execution efficiency and reduce bureaucratic overlap. “By assigning these eight schemes to CDA, the Ministry of Housing and Works intends to ensure timely completion, quality assurance, and coordinated management of federal development works in Islamabad,” the documents state.
Improving Accountability in Public Infrastructure
This transition reflects the government’s push to reduce duplication of roles and strengthen accountability in implementing public infrastructure projects.
Making Development Work Faster and Transparent
It is a major step toward making development work in Islamabad faster, more transparent, and better organized.
Author Profile
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Ayesha Saba is an economic journalist advocating for Pakistan's shift from unstable farming to high-value sectors.
Her sharp analysis of the central bank's report spotlights tourism and technology as vital engines for job creation and resilience, urging urgent policy pivots toward a **diverse and sustainable future.
