Govt bans purchase of 'petrol motorcycles' in Islamabad

In an effort to transform the federal capital into a city with international standards, the federal government has decided to ban the purchase of petrol-powered motorbikes in Islamabad. 

The decision, aiming to bring eco-friendly facilities in ICT, was taken in a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The minister directed the Centre Development Authority (CDA) to restrict people from purchasing petrol bikes and to advocate electric motorbikes to reduce environmental pollution.

He directed the provision of international standard emergency service to the residents of Islamabad and vowed to bring electric buses for mass transportation.

It was also decided in the meeting to transfer duty to the Municipal Corporation Islamabad and establish the water and sanitation agency (Wasa) soon.

The interior minister also directed authorities to complete projects, including the establishment of Capital Waste Management Company, the construction of the underpass at Serena Chowk, and flyover at F-9 Park Chowk "quickly".

He also asked the authorities to accelerate work for the rapid completion of the Islamabad Expressway project.

Naqvi was informed that work on the Islamabad Model jail, suspended for the past 17 years, was begun and the first phase would be completed within the deadline. 

The minister also congratulated the CDA and its team for the collection of record tax.