The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ordered the removal of a pair of sculptures recently installed at the junction of Iran Avenue and Margalla Road after widespread public criticism and social media backlash over their ambiguous and suggestive design.
The sculptures, featuring two golden hands grasping metallic spheres, sparked an online storm shortly after installation. Many users mocked the artwork for its perceived lack of aesthetic value, unclear symbolism, and inappropriate appearance for a public space. Memes and jokes flooded social media platforms, with some questioning how the design was approved in the first place.
The CDA, reacting quickly to the backlash, directed that the sculptures be taken down. Heavy machinery was seen at the site attempting to dismantle the structures. One sculpture was already removed, while the other was temporarily covered pending further action.
A CDA spokesperson clarified that the installation had not received formal approval from the relevant authority. “The design was not officially approved, and instructions for immediate removal were issued,” the spokesperson told reporters.
According to officials, the sculptures were provided by a private housing society as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative. The installation was reportedly imported from China and had not yet been completed when the controversy erupted.
The housing society involved declined to comment, with a representative stating that the owner was currently abroad.
Sources suggest the CDA’s swift response may have been influenced by higher-level directions, although the authority has not clarified whether the removal decision was internally made or externally prompted.
The episode has reignited debates over public art, regulatory oversight, and the role of aesthetics in urban planning. For now, what remains of the installation is a cautionary tale about design, public perception, and the need for transparency in civic beautification efforts.