Islamabad - The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to relocate the replica of Chaghi mountain from Faizabad area to F-9 Park of the capital due to widening of the Expressway.

The replica was installed near Faizabad soon after Pakistan conducted nuclear tests and Pakistan became an atomic power in 1998. The day of May 28 on which Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests at Chaghi mountain is celebrated as ‘Youm-e-Takbeer’ and a day of pride for Pakistani nation. The replica of Chaghi mountain had been illuminated on the occasion of the anniversary of the nuclear tests. On May 11, 1998, India with its nuclear tests had disturbed the balance of power in the South Asian region to which Pakistan responded with atomic tests, Pakistan maintains.

The sources in the CDA said the decision of relocation of the replica has been taken in view of the widening of the Expressway. The road gets very congested where the replica was installed and it also used to obscure view of the road-users, they added. “No doubt Faizabad is prime location but many factors were ignored while choosing the site for installing the replica,” the sources told The Nation. When asked about the cost of relocation of the replica, they said it will cost nominal. The authorities have started dismantling the replica and would be installed at the new site of F-9 Park.