Chairman Capital Development Authority and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa met with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank, led by Senior Financial Sector Economist Andrew McCartney and the ADB urban team, at CDA headquarters to accelerate efforts on smog mitigation and environmental protection in Islamabad.
The CDA has incorporated National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority regulations into its electric vehicle policy and is moving to expand EV infrastructure and incentives across the city. As part of those measures, the authority has introduced 160 environment-friendly electric feeder buses using its own funds to reduce transport sector emissions and to bolster Islamabad air quality.
Authorities are conducting vehicle carbon emission tests and planning additional air monitoring stations to deliver a more accurate and reliable Air Quality Index for residents. Strengthening monitoring and enforcement is central to the plan to reduce smog and track progress on Islamabad air quality improvements.
Recognising solid waste as a contributor to urban air pollution, the CDA said a modern solid waste management project will be launched and a feasibility study for a scientific landfill site in Islamabad is being initiated to manage municipal waste more sustainably.
The CDA signalled interest in developing projects that could generate carbon credits and sought ADB technical support to enable green financing for such initiatives. The ADB delegation confirmed it will complete consultations and provide technical assistance, including support already underway for Islamabad’s first Transport Master Plan and the Inter-City Bus Terminals project.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on smog mitigation, air quality improvement and broader environmental protection. Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasised that these measures aim to control air pollution and ensure a healthier, higher-quality life for Islamabad residents while positioning the city as a model of sustainable development for Pakistan.
