Islamabad, July 21, 2025 (TNS): The recent monsoon rains in Islamabad have once again exposed glaring flaws in the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) development projects, many of which are linked to one senior official: Rana Tariq Mehmood, currently serving as Director Roads North and Deputy Director General Metro Projects.
Several key projects under his supervision have faced serious technical failures, from flooded underpasses to collapsing shuttering and cracked highways. Yet, rather than being held accountable, Rana Tariq has continued to enjoy top-level postings within the organization, raising questions about the absence of oversight and a culture of internal protection within the CDA.
One of the most controversial undertakings is the F-8 Interchange, which has come under fire for design defects and poor construction quality. The project was supervised from start to finish by Rana Tariq in his capacity as Project Director. According to sources, he forwarded the final file directly to the Member Engineering, bypassing the required approval from the DG Engineering, a serious deviation from established procedure.
This is not the first instance of questionable execution under his watch. In 2024, during heavy rains, the Margalla Highway underpass flooded, and sections of the road sustained significant damage. Despite the evident flaws, no formal inquiry was initiated.
Similarly, the Bharakahu Flyover project, also overseen by Rana Tariq, witnessed a dangerous incident when the shuttering collapsed during construction, injuring laborers on-site. Yet again, no investigation or accountability followed. Now, early signs of cracking on Iran Avenue in Sector E-11, another project linked to his office, are further raising alarm.
Despite mounting criticism over these high-cost, low-quality developments, Rana Tariq Mehmood not only remains in charge of major infrastructure portfolios but has also been entrusted with the influential position of Deputy DG Metro, an appointment that has surprised many within and outside the authority.
Observers are beginning to ask: Is Rana Tariq being shielded by higher powers within the CDA?
So far, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and the Member Engineering have not issued any statements or ordered an inquiry into the matter.
Repeated efforts to seek comment — including written queries and multiple phone calls to Rana Tariq Mehmood, the CDA spokesperson, and Member Engineering — have gone unanswered.
We remains open to publishing their version should they choose to respond.
