ISLAMABAD – Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) remains in anticipation as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has yet to fulfill its promises made during the Bhara Kahu bypass project. Despite the bypass road being operational since August 3, the disputes between QAU and CDA persist.
The bypass, which intersects QAU property, had previously sparked protests from the university’s faculty and students who sought alterations to the road’s layout. In response, the government and CDA, emphasizing the project’s significance, assured QAU of an alternative land provision.
A subsequent agreement between QAU and CDA stated that the university would receive 225 kanals from the CDA. Additionally, the CDA committed to granting QAU direct access from Murree Road and assistance in upgrading the campus roads.
However, the CDA’s actions have not matched their words. “The university has been consistently urging the CDA to stand by their promises made during the Joint Working Group meeting,” stated QAU Registrar Dr. Raja Qaisar Ahmed.
He highlighted that the promised 225 kanals’ allotment letter remains undelivered, and other key issues, including road access and land demarcation, are still pending.
Dr. Ahmed also expressed frustration over the CDA’s recent reissuance of an offer letter, which had already been provided last year. “We are expecting an allotment letter, not a repeated offer,” he emphasized.
While former CDA chairman Noorul Amin Mengal had pledged to uphold all agreements made with QAU, the university’s concerns remain unaddressed. The QAU registrar recently discussed these issues with the current CDA Chairman, retired Capt Anwarul Haq.
The Bhara Kahu bypass, spanning 5.2 km, consists of a road and a flyover, with its initial segment passing through QAU grounds. Despite its inauguration, certain aspects of the project, such as the condition of Murree Road beneath the flyover, remain incomplete, causing inconvenience to drivers.
A CDA official commented that the agency plans to repair the damaged section of Murree Road and connect the underpasses via service roads.
It is also important to mention that a CDA officer assured that the authority intends to address QAU’s valid concerns.
