- CDA is upgrading three Islamabad markets: Kohsar Market, Jinnah Super Market and Aabpara Market.
- Work at Kohsar Market is complete, with finishing touches under way.
- The plan covers footpaths, decorative poles, lighting, benches, dustbins, sewerage and parking.
- The CDA chairman has ordered timely completion without compromising quality.
The upgrade of Islamabad markets is moving ahead, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) giving commercial centres a facelift built around pedestrian facilities, lighting and public spaces. The authority has already completed major portions of work at two of the three markets covered.
In this article
Alongside the renovation of roads and other civic infrastructure, the programme aims to make the markets easier and more pleasant for shoppers and visitors on foot.
| Market | Current status | Other work |
|---|---|---|
| Kohsar Market | Upgradation completed; finishing work under way | Part of the programme-wide footpath, lighting, bench and dustbin work |
| Jinnah Super Market (F-7 Markaz) | Completed up to Bhittai Road; remainder expected soon | Part of the programme-wide footpath, lighting, bench and dustbin work |
| Aabpara Market | Renovation under way | Landscaping, horticulture, sewerage and parking |
Where the work stands at Islamabad markets
The programme covers Kohsar Market, Jinnah Super Market in F-7 Markaz and Aabpara Market. According to the CDA, upgradation work at Kohsar Market has been completed, and only finishing work is still under way.
At Jinnah Super Market, work has been completed up to Bhittai Road. The remaining portion is expected to be finished soon.
Renovation is also in progress at Aabpara Market, where the authority is carrying out landscaping and horticulture alongside improvements to sewerage and parking.
In short, major portions of work at Islamabad markets have been completed at two of the three sites, while the third is still being renovated.
What the Islamabad markets upgrade includes
A central part of the project is the reconstruction of footpaths. The CDA is also installing decorative electric poles and new lighting to improve conditions for pedestrians and visitors.
The authority is patching damaged roads in the commercial centres as well. To improve public convenience, it is adding benches and dustbins.
Taken together, the footpaths, lighting, benches and dustbins form the pedestrian-focused core of the programme for Islamabad markets, while sewerage and parking work is part of the renovation at Aabpara Market.
Directions from the CDA chairman
CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf has directed the relevant departments to finish the projects within the stipulated timelines. He has also stressed that construction quality must be maintained.
He said the upgradation of commercial centres would improve the capital's infrastructure and enhance its overall appearance.
Explained: the CDA plan for Islamabad markets
The plan brings several kinds of work together under one programme. Pedestrian facilities, lighting and public spaces sit at its heart. Footpaths are being reconstructed, decorative electric poles and new lighting are being installed, and benches and dustbins are being added for public convenience.
Roads in the commercial centres are also being patched where they are damaged. Aabpara Market has a wider list of tasks, including landscaping, horticulture, sewerage and parking. Work at Kohsar Market and Jinnah Super Market is described as upgradation, while Aabpara Market is described as being renovated.
The aim, as stated by the chairman, is to improve the capital's infrastructure and enhance its overall appearance. For Islamabad markets themselves, the programme aims to make them easier and more pleasant for shoppers and visitors on foot.
Market-by-market summary
Kohsar Market
Upgradation work at Kohsar Market has been completed. The CDA says only finishing work is still under way. It is one of the two markets where major portions of work are already done.
Jinnah Super Market (F-7 Markaz)
Work at Jinnah Super Market in F-7 Markaz has been completed up to Bhittai Road. The remaining portion is expected to be finished soon, which would complete the work at the second of the three Islamabad markets in the programme.
Aabpara Market
Renovation is under way at Aabpara Market. The authority is carrying out landscaping and horticulture, and it is improving sewerage and parking. Renovation is still in progress there, while work at the other two markets has been completed in major part.
Why pedestrian facilities and lighting come first
The CDA has placed pedestrian facilities, lighting and public spaces at the heart of the plan. Reconstructed footpaths, decorative electric poles and new lighting are meant to improve conditions for pedestrians and visitors. Benches and dustbins are being added to improve public convenience.
By putting these items first, the authority is tying the upgrade of Islamabad markets closely to the experience of people on foot. Patchwork on damaged roads is still part of the work, alongside these pedestrian items.
Key points to remember about the Islamabad markets upgrade
- Three markets are covered: Kohsar Market, Jinnah Super Market and Aabpara Market.
- Upgradation at Kohsar Market is complete, and finishing work continues.
- Jinnah Super Market is complete up to Bhittai Road, and the rest is expected soon.
- Renovation at Aabpara Market is in progress, including landscaping, horticulture, sewerage and parking.
- Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed that the projects finish within the stipulated timelines and that construction quality be maintained.
The CDA has been told to complete the projects within the stipulated timelines. The remaining portion of Jinnah Super Market is expected to be finished soon, while work continues at Aabpara Market.
Questions and answers
Which Islamabad markets are being upgraded?
The CDA's programme covers Kohsar Market, Jinnah Super Market in F-7 Markaz and Aabpara Market.
What improvements are being made at Islamabad markets?
The work includes reconstruction of footpaths, decorative electric poles and lighting, patchwork on damaged roads, and benches and dustbins. At Aabpara Market it also covers landscaping, horticulture, sewerage and parking.
Is the work at Islamabad markets finished?
Upgradation at Kohsar Market is complete apart from finishing work. At Jinnah Super Market, work up to Bhittai Road is done and the rest is expected soon. Renovation at Aabpara Market is still in progress.
How far along is the upgrade of Islamabad markets?
Major portions of work have been completed at two of the three markets covered. Renovation at the third, Aabpara Market, is still under way.
Who has directed that the work finish on time?
CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf has directed the relevant departments to finish the projects within the stipulated timelines. He has also stressed that construction quality must be maintained.
What is being done about lighting?
The CDA is installing decorative electric poles and new lighting to improve conditions for pedestrians and visitors.
Are benches and dustbins part of the plan?
Yes. To improve public convenience, the CDA is adding benches and dustbins in the commercial centres.
What work is being done at Aabpara Market?
Renovation is in progress at Aabpara Market. The authority is carrying out landscaping and horticulture alongside improvements to sewerage and parking.
What did the CDA chairman say about the upgrade?
He said the upgradation of commercial centres would improve the capital's infrastructure and enhance its overall appearance.
