Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the newly built Islamabad Model Jail by sharing a daal meal at the site, joined by State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry.

The ceremony occurred despite journalist protests, who had been led to expect Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif; the jail had previously awaited formal inauguration by the prime minister.

Addressing the media in H-16, Naqvi said the project was finished and that about 1,500 Islamabad prisoners would be moved to the new facility, with the remaining inmates to follow after the second phase.

He noted that Adiala Jail currently holds roughly 3,300 Islamabad prisoners, of whom 1,500 would be transferred.

Naqvi praised Talal Chaudhry, Capital Development Authority Chairman, and his team for completing the work. Construction began in 2016 after the project launch in 2009; by 2024, progress had stalled with only 40 to 50% finished.

The CDA later took over the project, completing the first phase at an estimated cost of about Rs7 billion, including earlier expenditures by the now-defunct Public Works Department. The original estimate in 2016 was Rs3.9 billion, with a 2019 deadline.

During his visit, Naqvi inspected several areas, including a 35-bed hospital and the kitchen.

He also inspected the Kashmir Chowk underpass construction, a Rs. 1.4 billion project launched on October 6, where officials said physical work had reached roughly 75% after 18 days.

Naqvi said he was pleased with the construction speed and suggested the underpass could be finished in less than 30 days if the current pace continued. CDA officials expect completion before November 5.