The new sculptures on Margalla Avenue in Islamabad, placed at the junction of Iran Avenue, were meant to bring modern art to the city’s streetscape, but instead they drew strong public backlash and criticism. Featuring two large outstretched hands holding circular orbs, the design was intended as a bold artistic statement, possibly to show unity or cooperation.
However, many Islamabad residents found the look confusing and unappealing. Social media quickly filled with jokes and memes mocking the sculptures for their unusual appearance, with people questioning why such a design was chosen for such a busy, visible spot in the city.
The strong public reaction and widespread criticism led city officials to order the removal of the sculptures to address citizens’ concerns and maintain Islamabad’s aesthetic appeal.
Residents flooded social media with images of the sculptures, enquiring both their aesthetics and their suitability for such a prominent location. Comments ranged from lighthearted memes to pointed critiques about the “bad taste” on display in the capital city.
Imported from China, Installed with Good Intentions
Interestingly, the sculptures weren’t even commissioned by the city itself. They were imported from China by a private housing society that offered them to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) free of cost as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
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The idea was simple enough: improve public spaces through partnerships with the private sector. But in this case, the execution backfired spectacularly.
Dawn reached out to the owner of the private society behind the donation, but he declined to give any comment, citing that he was currently abroad.
CDA Responds to Public Outcry
With social media buzzing and criticism mounting, the CDA had to act. A CDA official ratified in a written response that the sculptures had been in the final stages of installation when public reaction turned sour.
Then the CDA management has given orders to halt the project and remove the sculptures.
Photos from the scene now show the sculptures covered up, anticipated to be dismantled and hauled away—a stark visual of an ambitious plan gone awry.
Balancing Beautification with Public Taste
The incident raised some of the questions regarding public art and urban planning in Islamabad.
On one hand, efforts to beautify the city and bring art into public spaces are widely supported. Residents often enquire for
- More parks
- Better landscaping
- Thoughtful design elements that reflect the capital’s unique character
But this episode is strongly indicating the requirement for transparency and consultation. Art, after all, is subjective—but when it occupies public space, it should aim to resonate with the community, not confuse or alienate it.
A Lesson for the Future
This has been a clear lesson for the CDA in listening to the public. As Islamabad continues to grow and modernize, city officials will probably have to encounter more choices about what belongs in its shared spaces.
The removal of these sculptures might appear like a small thing—but it’s also a sign that, in Islamabad, residents want a say in what kind of city they’re building together.