The Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission has asked the National Highway Authority (NHA) to arrange a temporary road linking Islamabad Model Jail in Sector H-16 with Kashmir Highway with the facility set to officially open, sources told ProPakistani.
The commission has sought the revival of an earlier proposal for a temporary slip road, as construction of the planned interchange has yet to begin under the relevant Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).
The request comes as the first phase of the long-delayed jail project approaches inauguration. The temporary road is intended to improve access for official vehicles, visitors and other commuters and help prevent traffic congestion during the ceremony.
NHA has been asked to resubmit its earlier proposal for the road connection.
The access problem dates back several years. An interchange connecting the jail to Kashmir Highway through signal-free access was reportedly approved by the NHA in May 2016.
In April 2018, the Ministry of Interior directed the NHA to provide the interchange. Two months later, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was reportedly directed to construct a temporary access road until the permanent interchange was completed.
At the time, the prison site could be reached through a dirt track crossing fields. Land possession and compensation issues also affected the proposed infrastructure.
Despite these earlier decisions, the road connection remains an issue as the jail prepares to open.
Repeated Delays
The Islamabad Model Jail project has faced repeated delays. In July 2024, the federal government moved to accelerate construction, with the CDA expected to take over execution from the then Public Works Department.
According to media reports published in September and October 2026, the government planned to inaugurate the facility in October, while the first phase was reported to have been completed.
The initial phase includes three barracks with capacity for around 1,500 inmates, a 35-bed hospital and other facilities. The jail is intended to reduce Islamabad’s reliance on Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for housing prisoners from the capital.
The temporary slip road is intended to address the immediate problem while work on the permanent interchange remains pending.
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