NA panel concerned at misuse of capital farmhouse land

Seeks briefing from CDA on illegal constructions on agro-farms in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Housing and Works has expressed its serious concerns over the non-conforming use of land allocated for agro-farms in Islamabad.

The NA panel was apprised that owners of agro farms have carried out illegal constructions in their farmhouses in sheer violation of rules and regulations.

The NA committee decided to take a briefing from the Capital Development Authority on the matter. The NA panel also directed that steps be taken to do away with encroachments in government houses within a month.

The NA panel held its meeting on Wednesday under the chair of Committee Chairman Ibadullah. Federal Minister for Housing Maulana Abdul Wasay and Secretary Housing Iftikhar Shalwani also attended the meeting.

Committee member Tahira Aurangzeb said that the CDA had allotted land for farmhouses but houses have been illegally constructed on the land. She sought an explanation on the illegal use of farmhouse land. Member CDA Waseem Bajwa said that violations have been committed by farmhouses and action has been taken against such violations several times. The committee chairman said that a separate meeting of the committee on the issue of farmhouses will be called to take a briefing from the CDA chairman.

Sources told The Express Tribune that agricultural farm owners have illegally constructed palaces and marriage centres on farmlands allotted to them by the CDA.

The sources said that the main purpose of the agriculture farms was to provide “milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables to the citizens of the capital but palaces and houses had been constructed there instead.

In his briefing to the committee, Secretary Housing Iftikhar Shalwani said that the Ministry of Housing was organising the first international housing expo from December 8 to 11. China has assured cooperation in conducting the exhibition and it is expected that government land will be given on lease to Chinese companies, he said adding that instead of the PWD, services of international firms will be hired for different projects.

Committee member Syed Agha Rafiuddin lauded the establishment of high-rise apartments in Islamabad. The housing secretary said that “we have to transform our city Islamabad according to international standards”. He said that the CDA will be consulted for high-rise apartments in Islamabad. Member CDA Waseem Bajwa said that the civic agency was ready to consult the Ministry of Housing regarding the establishment of high-rise apartments in Islamabad.

Committee member Seema Mohiuddin said that Bani Gala consisted of forests but the CDA has regularised it, allowing construction. Committee member Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that the CDA constructed tracks in small parks but citizens do not use them.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2022.