A Heavy Rain spell in Islamabad has damaged the iconic eagle monument installed at the Shaheen Chowk Underpass. The decorative structure, which stands at one of the capital’s busiest intersections, suffered visible damage after rainfall during the night.
The monument features a large eagle placed on top of a globe-shaped structure. It was designed as a landmark to enhance the appearance of the underpass and quickly became a recognizable feature of the area.
The Shaheen Chowk Underpass is located at the intersection of Khayaban-e-Iqbal, also known as Margalla Road, and 9th Avenue. It connects important routes and helps improve traffic movement in a busy part of Islamabad. Several government offices, educational institutions, and commercial areas are located nearby.
The recent Heavy Rain has raised questions about the strength and maintenance of decorative installations placed around public infrastructure. While the underpass continues to operate normally, the damage to the monument has attracted public attention.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone for the Shaheen Chowk Underpass in October 2025. At the time, the project was estimated to cost around Rs. 1.3 billion.
During construction, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) expanded the project’s scope. The authority increased the overall cost by up to 15 percent. It also extended the underpass barrel from 56 meters to 85 meters to improve traffic capacity.
Although the original construction schedule allowed for several months of work, the CDA completed the underpass in just 63 days. Authorities officially opened the project for traffic on December 31, 2025.
The latest Heavy Rain damage has sparked discussion about the durability of decorative structures installed as part of large public development projects. Many residents believe such features should be able to withstand changing weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season.
So far, officials have not announced the cause of the damage or shared details about repair work. It is also unclear whether the monument will be restored or replaced.
In other news read more about PMD Forecasts Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
The image circulating online is an older photograph taken during the monument’s installation. It does not show the damage caused by the recent rainfall. Authorities are expected to inspect the site and assess the condition of the structure before deciding on the next steps.
