Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced Pakistan will host the next Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in 2027, directing officials to immediately begin preparations for the event.
Addressing a ceremony marking the groundbreaking of the T-Chowk Flyover Project at Islamabad Expressway, he said the preparations called for the construction of new accommodations for the visiting dignitaries and further beautifying Islamabad. Tajikistan, he noted, has gifted saplings to Pakistan that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other teams would plant ahead of the summit.
The prime minister described the flyover as a milestone initiative for the residents of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The project, costing Rs. 1,495 million, would be completed in 150 days, or around Feb. 9, 2026. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, it requires no land acquisition and is being self-financed by the CDA.
During his address, Sharif praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the CDA chairman and their teams for initiating the vital public interest project. He directed all authorities concerned to ensure the highest standards of quality throughout the construction, emphasizing there can be no compromise even amidst the short timeline for its completion.
According to the prime minister, the government is also planning to introduce a rail car between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. “If it happens [rail project], it will be a great gift for the residents of the twin cities,” he said, urging relevant authorities to begin work on it immediately.
No compromise
In his address, the interior minister said the Islamabad Expressway was already complete but the government had decided to delay the inauguration until the flyover was completed. He commended the CDA, National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), and other relevant stakeholders for designing the project in a way that no additional land acquisition is required, saving Rs. 7 billion.
He vowed that as per the prime minister’s instructions, the project would be completed per schedule and without any compromise on quality.
According to officials, the flyover would service approximately 41,572 vehicles daily once it becomes operational. It spans 1.034km in length and is 11.30m in width.