Shehersaaz and partners mark milestone with seminar and city festival at F-9 Park
Islamabad, October 30, 2025 — Shehersaaz – the Trust of Cities and Citizens – in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), UN-Habitat, the Adaptation Fund, and DHA Islamabad, celebrated the 65th Anniversary of Islamabad’s Master Plan alongside World Cities Day 2025. The United Nations–designated day draws global attention to the challenges and opportunities of urbanization.
The celebrations included a high-level Sheher Seminar in the morning, followed by a lively and inclusive Islamabad Sheher Mela at F-9 Park in the afternoon.
The Sheher Seminar opened with a keynote address by Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control. Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, reflected on Islamabad’s evolution as an emerging economy and a knowledge hub for South Asia. Other distinguished speakers included Ch. Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman CDA; Jawed Ali Khan, Senior Advisor and HPM UN-Habitat; and Ms. Almas Shakoor, Executive Director of Shehersaaz.
A technical session highlighted various dimensions of Islamabad’s development—its achievements, challenges, and future pathways. The CDA’s PR Directorate presented a documentary titled “Islamabad 1960–2025: A Journey of 65 Years”, showcasing the capital’s planning legacy and growth over six decades.
In the afternoon, the celebrations continued with the Islamabad Sheher Mela, a vibrant urban festival featuring the ECO Market—a showcase of green, smart, and sustainable innovations for city life. Visitors explored displays of electric buses, cars, and two-wheelers promoting cleaner mobility.
The festival also celebrated Islamabad’s literary and artistic spirit. In the session “Aao Sheher Ki Baat Karein”, literary figures including Waheed Rana, Khalid-ur-Rehman, Naeem Fatima Alvi, Dr. Amjad Kahlu, and Dr. Humera Ishfaq shared reflections on the city’s social fabric, environment, and urban identity. Meanwhile, at the Citizens’ Corner, residents shared their memories, views, and ideas for the city’s future—artist Akhtar Ali Shah (Shahtoon) humorously captured their sentiments through live caricatures.
Cultural performances added a musical note to the day. Audiences enjoyed Ahang Kada’s rabab and tabla recital, One Drum Circle, and The City Sings Concert featuring Coke Studio artists Mulazim Hussain and Hazel Khan, along with sitarist Amir Hussain.
The celebrations reflected the shared vision of Shehersaaz and its partners to foster safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. By blending art, culture, innovation, and citizen engagement, the event underscored how people’s participation can shape urban futures aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11).
