ISLAMABAD: Metropolian Corporation Islamabad (MCI) Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz has asserted to initiate new mega development projects in the federal capital soon after the release of funds by the federal government. The MCI mayor disclosed this while addressing an event ‘Cosmonite’ organised by the Rotary Club of Islamabad on Saturday. He said that for the first time in the history of the federal capital, the local body system was introduced and the responsibility of gigantic task of the development of city was handed over to the elected representatives of local government. But due to limited financial resources, it was a great challenge for the elected representatives to transform the federal capital into a model city. He, however, said that now the federal government had approved funds for MCI principally to launch development projects in the city. He also said that to combat these challenges, the local government was required support from all segments of the society. The Mayor of Islamabad further said that the capital was considered as the second most beautiful capital of the world due to its green characteristics and natural landscapes, adding that to improve its overall environment and maintaining its green character, the local government had decided to involve all the stakeholders. He invited all Rotarians to come forward with innovative ideas so that Islamabad could be made the most beautiful city of the world. Sheikh Anser Aziz also invited national and multinational companies to come forward and take part in the beautification of the city under their corporate social responsibilities. He said that the MCI had already began improving different parks, play grounds, roundabouts and green belts with the help of the private sector. He also appreciated the efforts of the Rotary Club for initiating projects in Pakistan to address the issues of underprivileged and deprived segment of the society adding that all projects of the Rotary Club were contributing to improve the lives of the less privileged class across the country and hoped that the club will continue its welfare activities to serve the poor and the needy segment of the society, generally in Pakistan and particularly in Islamabad. Sheikh Anser also commended the club for extending gold medals to Pakistanis for their outstanding performance in different fields of life. This year, the club conferred gold medal to eminent scientist and former Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission chairman, late Dr Ishfaq Ahmed whose contribution towards building Pakistan nuclear programme and making Pakistan a nuclear power was exceptional. Sheikh Anser also congratulated Rotarians including former and current presidents, district governors and other members of the club for their tireless efforts in execution of different projects in year 2017-18. Published in Daily Times, April 23rd 2018.