ISLAMABAD: Just months after its inauguration, the newly constructed Jinnah Square, built at a cost of PKR 4.8 billion, has partially caved in following heavy rainfall, raising serious questions about the project’s durability. The underpass as of now is closed for use of public.
Overnight downpours on Tuesday night caused sections of the square’s roads to sink, with cracks appearing along the edges. Heavy machinery and Capital Development Authority (CDA) teams were deployed for emergency repairs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had inaugurated the project on February 4, 2025, boasting its completion in a record 84 days. However, the rapid construction and now its structural failure have sparked criticism from citizens and urban planners alike.
Residents expressed frustration over the waste of public funds, demanding accountability. Before it was cordoned off, many bikers speeding through had to come to a sudden halt due to the standing water, as cars could be seen floating ahead.
The CDA has yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the damage or potential lapses in construction standards.
