Islamabad Eyes Sister-City Bond with Kigali for Sustainable Progress
Rwandan High Commissioner proposes sister-city ties between Kigali and Islamabad
Islamabad – 23 July 2035 (Adnan Hameed): Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Fatou Harerimana, held a meeting on Wednesday with Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations and advance sustainable urban development initiatives.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Rwanda and Pakistan in areas including city planning, infrastructure, tourism, and sustainable urban management. One of the key proposals discussed was the establishment of a sister-city relationship between Islamabad and Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
“This partnership would foster long-term people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and collaboration in areas like municipal management and green city solutions,” said Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, adding that Rwanda’s experience in sustainable urban planning and wildlife conservation could offer valuable insights for Islamabad’s future development.
The Rwandan envoy was briefed on CDA’s recent progress, including completed infrastructure projects and ongoing initiatives to transform Islamabad into a modern, eco-friendly, and inclusive capital city.
Randhawa highlighted plans for developing a safari park in Islamabad, which he described as a conservation-driven recreational facility designed to promote tourism through close animal encounters in a jungle-themed environment.
“We are working to make Islamabad not only a functional capital but also a top destination for local and international tourists,” Randhawa said. He also emphasized the Authority’s efforts to improve the diplomatic enclave and introduce more green public spaces in the city.
Fatou Harerimana commended the CDA’s achievements and expressed Rwanda’s interest in learning from Pakistan’s urban development model. “We admire the vision and initiatives being implemented under Chairman Randhawa’s leadership. Rwanda looks forward to deeper cooperation in capital city governance, sustainable development, and eco-friendly infrastructure,” she said.
Both sides agreed to explore collaborative opportunities in smart city technology, environmental sustainability, tourism, and institutional linkages to exchange technical expertise and best practices.
At the end, Chairman presented a commemorative souvenir to the Rwandan High Commissioner, symbolizing the beginning of a potential long-term partnership between Islamabad and Kigali.
