3.5 years versus 27 days: Karachi underpass claim contrasts with Islamabad’s Kashmir Chowk

An underpass in Karachi reportedly took 3.5 years to build, drawing a contrast with Islamabad’s Kashmir Chowk underpass, completed in 27 days. The comparison also takes a satirical swipe at the Sindh Government over the wait for infrastructure in Karachi.

The remarks describe Islamabad’s project as a premium version delivered in a fraction of the time Karachi waited. They also joke that the Sindh Government might still be searching for the perfect date to inaugurate its underpass.

It could not be independently confirmed when or where the remarks comparing the two projects were made.

This publication reported on November 4, 2026, that the Kashmir Chowk underpass had been completed in 27 days, describing the construction time as a new record for Islamabad.

Earlier, on August 5, 2026, this publication reported that the Capital Development Authority was preparing to start work the following month on underpasses at Kashmir Chowk and Faisal Mosque. Naqvi announced the plans at a high-level review of Islamabad’s development projects, with both underpasses intended to ease congestion at busy intersections. At the meeting, he also directed officials to establish Capital Emergency Services and four new emergency response centres, strengthen the authority’s revenue generation and keep the Expressway Service Road Project on schedule.

PakWheels Blog reported on November 6, 2026, that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Kashmir Chowk underpass that day, opening it to traffic after weeks of construction and diversions. It put the cost at approximately Rs1.45 billion, about 2.5% below the original estimate, and said the project was finished ahead of schedule after being awarded through the government’s e-PAD procurement system. PakWheels had previously reported that construction had passed 51% in just over two weeks. The completed scheme also included around four kilometres of adjoining and connecting roads; Naqvi said four new connecting roads had been developed. Around 6,000 trees and plants were planted nearby.