Islamabad’s master plan being revised
PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Master Plan of the federal capital, which underwent a revision soon after the incumbent government came into power, is being revised to meet the future needs of the city given the rising population and the subsequent pressure on its civic amenities.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan on Wednesday.
Responding to supplementary questions during the Question Hour at the Senate, the minister said the existing master plan of the city was made during Ayub Khan's regime in the 1960sm when the city was first built. Thereafter no change was made to the plan.
"Efforts were made to revise the plan in 1986 but it could not materialise," he said.
Ali added the new master plan envisages a skyline for the city with high-rise buildings to save more space for green belts while accommodating a greater number of people.
He said that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has offered several plots in different categories during auctions, attracting billions of rupees of investment.
These auctions were conducted under the Islamabad Land Disposal Regulation (ILDR) 2005, he said, adding that in 2019, two auctions were conducted wherein plots of various categories were offered. Moreover, to accommodate the new vision of the city, the CDA had revised its building by-laws, he added.
Recently, he said, an auction had been planned in April 2020, with revised building by-laws and tax laws. However, it had to be delayed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic but was held recently.
Moreover, to attract foreign investment, the minister said various changes were made in buildings by-laws, tax rates and mode of payment to make it more investor-friendly and financially viable.
To another question, the minister said some private housing societies have encroached upon state land in Lohi Bher, including in Korang Town, AECHS, Palm City, FECHS, Doctor's Colony, and National Police Foundation.
In this regard, the minister said that notices have been served to the encroachers by the rural zone assistant commissioner.
Auto thefts
Replying to another question, Ali Muhammad told the Senate that a total number of 738 cases of vehicle theft have been registered within Islamabad Capital Territory during the last three years.
Giving the details, he said out of these, 330 vehicles were recovered and 435 accused persons were arrested involved in these cases.
He said after completion of investigations, challans against the accused were sent to the trial courts.
To another question, the minister said since the incumbent government took power, a continuous campaign had been launched against beggary in the federal capital by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police which continues till date.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2020.