No More Billboards in Islamabad

In response to a series of windstorms causing damage across the federal capital, the Islamabad district administration has begun removing billboards from the city to prevent accidents.

The decision was taken after a billboard installed at the National Press Club (NPC) collapsed during a windstorm on Tuesday. The storm also uprooted several trees and dislodged fiberglass shades from rooftops and terraces, some of which landed on nearby roads.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered that all billboards located within Islamabad’s limits be taken down. While billboards are currently only found at two urban locations — the NPC and Srinagar Highway near G-13 — officials say many more are installed across rural areas, which also fall under the deputy commissioner’s authority.

Following the latest storm, the district administration directed field teams to stay alert and respond to emergencies. Assistant commissioners were also instructed to monitor low-lying areas to mitigate the risk of urban flooding.

This action comes just weeks after a powerful hailstorm struck the city, damaging vehicles, solar panels, and buildings — particularly in areas near the Margalla Hills. A second storm hit only days later, raising concerns among residents that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.

Tuesday’s windstorm again disrupted daily life, prompting residents to seek cover and protect their property. Many motorcyclists were seen taking shelter under bridges, fearing another sudden hailstorm.