The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board, in its 16th meeting chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, approved a wide range of important initiatives, most notably a new Internship Policy for 2025 designed to engage and groom young graduates from leading universities across Pakistan.
According to the CDA, the internship program will induct students from both public and private institutions in a transparent and merit-based manner. The initiative aims to provide graduates with practical exposure by assigning them to different wings and departments of the authority. Chairman Randhawa noted that the policy was crafted to meet two key objectives: to address CDA’s evolving manpower needs and to bring in a workforce trained in modern practices and contemporary knowledge. He emphasized that this would help bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements while also nurturing the professional growth of young talent.
The chairman further observed that the CDA, as one of the largest civic bodies in the country, can play a pivotal role in equipping graduates with real-world skills and problem-solving experience. “This policy is not just about filling short-term requirements; it is about investing in the future workforce of Pakistan,” Randhawa remarked. Officials expect the program to help participants gain hands-on experience in urban management, infrastructure development, environment, and digital governance, among other areas.
In addition to the internship framework, the CDA Board addressed several other significant matters. Approval was given for the allocation of land near the New Islamabad International Airport for the establishment of an Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) office. This step is expected to strengthen law enforcement coordination and improve monitoring at a key entry point of the federal capital.
Similarly, the Board cleared a proposal for the allocation of land for a new police station in Islamabad, which will be developed in accordance with existing rules and regulations. Officials said the move reflects the CDA’s commitment to supporting law and order agencies in ensuring safety and security in the city.
Another notable agenda item was the proposal to rename the F-10 Service Road (East) in honor of Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem, who has brought international recognition to the country through his achievements in javelin throw. The CDA Board decided to forward the recommendation to the federal government for final approval, calling it a gesture to celebrate and acknowledge the athlete’s contributions to national pride.
The Board also reviewed and approved agreements related to waste management services in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC). This partnership aims to enhance sanitation standards and ensure more efficient waste collection in the capital.
In a separate development, the Board approved the upgradation of CDA’s statistical assistants working in grades 15 and 16, in line with the recommendations of the Finance Division. The decision is intended to improve career progression for employees and boost institutional efficiency by recognizing their services.
The meeting concluded with the chairman reiterating CDA’s commitment to reforms that combine human resource development with improved service delivery. He underlined that policies like the internship program and infrastructure expansions are part of a broader strategy to make the authority more responsive, modern, and people-oriented.
