Islamabad, May 27, 2025: A high-level delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Manila, called on Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, at CDA Headquarters on Tuesday. The delegation also met with the Director General of Civil Defence, and senior CDA officials, including board members, the DG Environment, DG Resources, Deputy DG Encroachment, Director DMA, and others.
Welcoming the ADB delegation, Chairman CDA expressed appreciation for ADB’s continued interest in supporting Islamabad’s development. The meeting covered a wide range of areas for potential collaboration, including city beautification, environmental protection, sustainable water supply solutions, solid waste management, air quality monitoring, and deployment of transitional advisors and technical experts.
Chairman Randhawa emphasized CDA’s commitment to transforming Islamabad into a modern, eco-friendly, and sustainable model city. He highlighted several ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including the introduction of electric buses to reduce urban carbon emissions and modernizing the city’s solid waste management system through advanced landfill sites and waste-to-energy projects.
Discussions also focused on joint efforts in climate change mitigation, carbon credit trading, and carbon financing. The ADB team expressed interest in exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for several of these initiatives.
The Chairman noted that plastic banners across Islamabad are gradually being replaced by digital boards and streamers to reduce plastic pollution and improve the city’s aesthetics—an important step in making the capital cleaner and greener.
The two sides reviewed the progress of the Intercity Bus Terminal project, which will feature electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other modern facilities. Additionally, they held in-depth discussions on Islamabad’s growing water needs, groundwater recharge initiatives, and the establishment of Islamabad Water—a new body aimed at securing future water resources.
Chairman Randhawa underscored the CDA’s proactive approach, stating that donor conferences have already been organized to mobilize financial support for long-term water sustainability in the city.
The ADB delegation appreciated the CDA’s performance under Chairman Randhawa’s leadership and expressed willingness to deepen cooperation in areas aligned with sustainable urban development.
Both parties agreed to continue working closely to elevate Islamabad to international standards through shared expertise and joint initiatives.
“ADB’s technical support and experience will be vital in transforming Islamabad into a more modern, developed, and environmentally friendly capital,” said Chairman Randhawa.
