In response to recent windstorms that caused damage across Islamabad, the district administration has started removing billboards from various parts of the city to reduce the risk of accidents.
The move follows an incident on Tuesday when a billboard at the National Press Club (NPC) came crashing down during a windstorm. The strong winds also uprooted trees and tore off fiberglass shades from rooftops, some of which ended up on nearby roads.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon has issued an order to dismantle all billboards within Islamabad’s boundaries.
While only a few billboards are located in urban areas like the NPC and Srinagar Highway near G-13, officials note that many more are spread throughout rural parts of the capital, which also fall under the deputy commissioner’s jurisdiction.
In light of the recent storm, the administration has asked field teams to remain vigilant and respond swiftly to emergencies. Assistant commissioners have been tasked with keeping an eye on low-lying areas to help prevent urban flooding.
This decision follows another damaging hailstorm a few weeks ago that hit areas near the Margalla Hills, leaving vehicles, buildings, and solar panels battered.
A second storm followed shortly after, fueling concerns among residents that such severe weather is becoming more frequent.
Tuesday’s storm once again disrupted daily routines. Many residents rushed to take cover, and motorcyclists were spotted seeking shelter under bridges, wary of another sudden hailstorm.
“The Islamabad district administration has begun removing billboards from the city to prevent accidents.”