ICT struggles to cope with population boom

One of the world’s youngest capitals, Islamabad, celebrated its 61st anniversary Sunday

On Sunday one of the world’s youngest capitals, Islamabad, celebrated its 61st anniversary.

Build near the ruins of the world’s ancient city of Taxila whose history can be traced from early microlithic communities, experts believe the new city known for its greenery is, however, crumbling under population growth and mushrooming housing societies.

According to official statistics, the city has witnessed a 100 per cent population growth in the past 20 years. In the last census conducted in 2017, the Islamabad population was recorded as 2 million.

"Due to growth of population, construction of multi-story buildings, plazas, commercial centres, and societies have reduced the beauty and greenery of the city," Brig (retd) Said Nazir, a resident of the federal capital, said.

Read Population growth and socio-economic progress

Many residents said the city was built on the pattern of the Turkish capital of Ankara merging hillocks and plains in the city’s design with well-kept footpaths and wide roads.

"Islamabad and Ankara have a resemblance, both are beautiful and silent capitals," said Shahid Ahmed, a resident of Islamabad.

Another resident Sabah Aslam, founder of Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution, said that about one million people have moved from other parts of the country to live in the capital.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2021.