**Rwanda and Pakistan Explore Partnership in Urban Development and Tourism**
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan, H.E. Fatou Harerimana, met with Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, to discuss avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in urban development, infrastructure, sustainable city management, and tourism, with an emphasis on mutual learning and innovation.
During the meeting, held at CDA Headquarters in Islamabad, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the Rwandan High Commissioner on key development projects recently completed in Islamabad, as well as major ongoing initiatives. He highlighted the CDA’s vision to transform the capital into a modern, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable city. Specific projects under discussion included the planned uplift of the diplomatic enclave and the establishment of a jungle-themed Safari Park, designed to offer close animal encounters and conservation-driven recreation. Randhawa remarked that these efforts aim to position Islamabad as a leading tourist destination, capitalizing on its natural beauty and favorable climate.
The Chairman also welcomed the proposal to develop a sister-city relationship between Islamabad and Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Such a partnership would promote people-to-people contact, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in municipal management, urban regeneration, and sustainable development. Randhawa emphasized that Rwanda’s achievements in urban planning and wildlife conservation could offer valuable insights for Islamabad’s future growth.
High Commissioner Fatou Harerimana commended the CDA’s progress under Randhawa’s leadership, particularly in beautifying Islamabad and completing significant infrastructure projects. She conveyed Rwanda’s enthusiasm for expanding cooperation, especially in capital city governance, eco-friendly development, and the adoption of green urban solutions. The High Commissioner also expressed interest in learning from Pakistan’s experience in managing the development of its capital.
Both sides agreed to intensify collaboration by exploring smart city solutions, enhancing green spaces, promoting tourism, and fostering institutional linkages for capacity building. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism and a shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people relations and institutional ties between the two countries. As a gesture of goodwill, Chairman Randhawa presented a souvenir to High Commissioner Harerimana, symbolizing the growing partnership and shared aspirations for Islamabad and Kigali as future sister cities.
